Created by Commodore Phoenix Lalor-Richardson on Sun Mar 3rd, 2019 @ 1:49pm

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Crew Review

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Commander Lalor's ready room, Deck 18

Timeline: MD 1 09h00

With the commodore's body on Ice in the ship's morgue, and the Starfleet Intelligence officer recovering nicely on the USS Hippocrates the Fleets largest Medical Ship, under the protection of Admiral Carter, Phoenix had instructed the Helm to set course to DS9. And now she sat quietly in her office studying a pile of PADDs. She sighed and summoned Gary to her office. They needed to discuss things.

Gary had received the summons from Phoenix and he made his way to her Ready Room. The ship was being repaired from the damage it had sustained at the hands of the Watch. The crew also seemed to be rebounding from the same ordeal of mutineers in their ranks. Reaching Phoenix's door, he rang the buzzer to be allowed admittance.

The door opened and Phoenix called out. "Come in"

Hearing Phoenix's voice, Gary entered and moved to the chair in front of the desk Phoenix was sitting at studying a stack of PaDDs. He didn't sit (that would be presumptuous) but rather stood beside it. "You wanted to see me Captain?"

"Yes, please sit Commander," Phoenix said. "I am looking over our current compliment of crew, and I have some changes to put in place. And I would like your opinion."

Gary dropped into the chair, crossed one leg over another and looked at Phoenix. "Thank you. Always glad to give my opinion. Just what changes are you planning to put in place?"

"The first is, a second officer." Phoenix replied,"We do have a number of officers who fit the bill but I am inclined to promote Lt. Commander Holmes to the post. Your thoughts?"

Gary thought for a moment before replying, "No argument from me on that Captain. Holmes is smart and talented. She's also not afraid to speak her mind. She's an excellent choice for second officer."

"Then before we move on, shall we call her in?"

"I think that is an excellent idea Captain."

Phoenix nodded and hit the comm. "Lt. Commander Holmes would you please come to the ready room."

Gary sat up straighter in his chair as they waited for Holmes to come into the ready room and receive the news of her promotion. Down in the now cleaned up brig, Lia was somewhat surprised by the call. =^="Holmes here, roger that on my way"=^=. She quickly made her way to the ready room, standing outside she pressed the chime.

The door opened and Phoenix waved her in. "Come in Commander Holmes." She called out.

Lia slowly entered, "Lt. Commander Holmes reporting as ordered, have I screwed up again Captain?" She stood at attention in front of the Captain, only then did she spot Taylor. oO Oh yeah, I must have screwed up good Oo, she thought.

Gary twisted around in his chair, to look at Lia. His face showing nothing.

Phoenix waved Commander Holmes to the other chair. "Please commander, have a seat."

Looking at the chair, Lia slowly sat down. oO Why don't they just tell me what I've done? Oo she thought. Once sat down Lia responded, "Thank you Captain, but can you please explain why I'm required?"

Once Holmes was seated, obviously nervous, Phoenix thought, Phoenix leaned back in her chair. "Lt. Commander, upon review of your actions over the past week or so, Commander Taylor and I have chosen to 'promote' you to Second officer of the USS Elysium."

"Excuse me!!!!!" Lia thought she must have miss-heard the Captain, "Do you mind repeating what you just said, because I think I didn't catch it". She edged forwards in the chair, "Did you just promote me to Second Officer? Really?" Lia swallowed hard, "That's what you said right?" This couldn't be right, she hadn't been on board that long.

Gary stifled a chuckle as he listened to Holmes's flustered reply. His eyes however showed his amusement at Holmes and her response.

"Yes Commander, that is what I said." Phoenix said with a smile. "While you have not been on board for long, you have the needed experience."

Almost without thinking Lia jumped up and did a little dance while saying over and over, "I'm a number two, I'm a number two, I'm a number two". She then realised what she was singing, "Oh crap! Tell me I just didn't do that, sorry Captain and Commander". She now stood in front of the Captain, "Thank you for your confidence in my ability to do the job Captain, and despite my little display I hope not to disappoint you". She swallowed hard, and turned to Taylor. "I know you had a hand in this Commander, so thank you also. I hope we can work together, once again thank you". She then sat down very red faced, her embarrassment clear to see.

"Nothing to apologize for Commander, good honest enthusiasm is refreshing to witness." Gary replied honestly.

"Enthusiasm I would agree with, but Childish glee isn't quite in the same league". Stated Lia. "I don't normally give into things like that, but then since joining this ship normality seems to have been suspended". She glanced at the floor, "I mean mutineers, a dead Commodore. Oh yeah a Gorn as a Doctor, and a Wolf as a CEO. That's normal isn't it?" She glanced between the Captain and the XO, "Seven years in Star Fleet Intelligence and you would have thought I saw it all, but the daft thing is I like it here. So what's normal?" She waited for some sort of reaction from either of the Senior Staff.

"I'm afraid I have to disagree with you Commander. We are by all examples the epitome of Starfleet and the Federation charter. To seek out and find new worlds and civilizations. We have a crew that is as diverse as you can possibly have as you just noted. A Gorn CMO and a Wolf who is not even native to this galaxy among them and we make it work. I think we're perfectly normal." Gary answered easily, looking to see if Phoenix had anything to add.

"For this ship, it is very normal." Phoenix said softly. "We have had a number of different crew over the years." she smiled. "Now, if you have calmed down, I need both of your opinions on certain crew members."

"Please proceed Captain." Gary replied, eager to hear who else in the crew she wanted to discuss.

Phoenix took a breath. "Lieutenant Klop-Johnson" She stated.

Lia glanced quickly at the Captain, "Klop-Johnson? Wasn't she the loud one on the bridge? I must be honest and say I've had very little to do with her, but on first impressions I really wouldn't want to be around her on the bridge. Up until I left she seemed to just flip out at just about everything, just what is she?" Lia hoped she hadn't blotted her copy book already, but that Lieutenant seemed just a tiny bit off to her.

"Well you got the loud part right." Phoenix said softly. "She is currently the chief of Intelligence, and I am thinking she is not really suited for that post."

"A department head especially the Chief of Intel, should be level headed and cool under pressure. Lt. Kolp-Johnson is the exact opposite of that. She's hot tempered and high strung." Gary added. "She may be a good officer but I don't think she's cut out be Intel Chief."

"Agreed." Phoenix replied. "I was thinking of moving her to the on board academy as a trainer. Thoughts?"

"I for one have no objections in placing her in that position. She can still be a major contributor in the development of Intel officers." Gary pointed out.

"With due respect Captain, I understand what's being suggested. But as a fellow bridge Officer, I find the Lt.JG. tends to let her feelings run away with her. Not what is wanted on the bridge, perhaps a stint in the academy may in fact do her some good". Lia felt she might be ending a fellow Officers career, "Do we have a replacement in line for her? Or are we waiting to see who will step forwards?"

"There is an assistant chief but at this time I am not willing to just promote her to chief. I want to see what happens in the department. Just because someone is an assistant chief does not mean they are suited for the chief position." Phoenix said.

"Agreed. I think we should take a wait and see approach in regards to the assistant chief. She can handle any paperwork or staffing questions that come up for the time being." Gary added.

Lia nodded in agreement, "I must say I haven't met the Intel Assistant Chief, I never got the chance during our problems. My 2/ic says she knows her stuff, so I'll go with that".

Phoenix checked her list. "Those seem to be the only posts that needed discussion from me. I do however want both of your opinions on how the crew handled the crisis we just faced."

"From the people that I had direct contact with, I would say they handled it very well". Lia stated, she glanced at Taylor. "Medical, Marines, and Security all interlocked and did what was required". She looked back at the Captain, "Even when you were removed from the bridge, the ship carried on until the emergency was rectified". She sat back slightly so Taylor could have his say.

Gary didn't answer right away, he looked at both Phoenix and Lia before replying. "The crew and the officers involved in this situation performed exceptionally and without regard to any personal injury they might incur. You can be proud of your crew Captain, they are a fine example of how a Starfleet crew is expected to act."

"A diplomatic answer Commander" Phoenix said with a smile. "Commander Holmes, has your investigation into the troublesome trio in medical come to anything?"

Shaking her head, Lia replied, "I had Lieutenant Stiegalle do some digging around, and I think we can say they had nothing to do with the mutineers. If you wish to take any further action Captain, that will be your choice". She looked at the Captain, "I would say our only fly in the ointment would be our Intel chief, and you've already taken care of that situation".

"I will defer to Commander Holmes in this matter as she has done or had her department do the actual investigation." Gary answered evenly looking at both women.

"Very well then I will get Commander Qwynn to deal with the issue around a Cadet and an enlisted having an affair, though from what I have been told, it was not a planned event." Phoenix said softly. "I believe the best for them both is to let Liselle handle it. I have a conflict of interest in the situation and it would not be appropriate for me to stick my nose in."

She looked at Gary and then at Lia. "Anything else we need to discuss? Concerns, issues?"

Gary sat quietly as Phoenix made her announcement. He was curious about Phoenix's conflict of interest but it didn't concern him so he didn't pursue it. "Only the obvious one Captain. which is to put our previous mission behind us and get to what Starfleet and this ship does best.... exploration. There's a lot of the galaxy we still haven't seen."

Lia sat and thought, "Nope can't think of anything, as far as I'm concerned we're done here". She wanted to talk to Taylor, but that would have to wait.

"I can't think of anything else Captain, so I agree with Commander Holmes, I think we're done." Gary answered from his chair.

"Very well then. Thank you both. I will put the changes out to the crew shortly." Phoenix said with a smile.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be – Departure

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Captains Ready room

Timeline: MD1 07h00

The Elysium was leaving Risa. It was on its way to its next mission. With the commodore's body on Ice in the ship's morgue, and the Starfleet Intelligence officer recovering nicely on the USS Hippocrates the Fleets largest Medical Ship, under the protection of Admiral Carter, Phoenix had instructed the Helm to set course to DS9. They would leave the body there for the relatives to collect. And then they would go on, through the wormhole.

DS9. Not really her favourite place. Not really a place she wanted to spend time at all. She was not even a big fan of the Gamma quadrant either. But it was a mission. And one they would go and do. Spend 6 months in the Gamma quadrant, charting and exploring the different cultures and areas.

But, as she stood, silent looking out of her window at the streaking stars, she was glad that the crew would get a chance to cool off .. for at least 24 hours. They were scheduled to go through the wormhole in just under 3 days. It would take them a day of travel to DS9, a day there, and then at 10h30, the third day, they would travel through the wormhole to the Gamma quadrant, and then onto Gamma Station, the brand new station that would be their home base for the next 6 months.

On her desk was a pile of reports, and information on the so called WATCH. An organisation which had planned the demise of Sharr and the rest of them were collateral damage. It was insidious. And she was determined not to have it on the Elysium again. And if she found it in the Gamma quadrant, operatives would find themselves spacewalking home without a spacesuit.

Phoenix had no tolerance for such crap.

Sighing she turned for her desk. Time to get to work.

Demons Run

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Dante Xithia

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Betazed, multiple.

Timeline: 2374 - Invasion of Betazed.

________________________________________

The atmosphere of Betazed was alight with weapons fire as the Tenth Fleet futilely tried to repel the Dominion invasion forces. Dante had known it was over from the get go. The entire Fleet garrisoned to protect the Betazoid homeworld had been caught unawares, too distracted by their training exercises in the neighbouring system to surmount any defence before the Dominion arrived. Every now and again, the city would shake tremendously, an aftershock caused by the downing of some of the ships. Starfleet’s desperation to succeed, paired with the Dominion’s arrogance, had led to the more inexperienced Captains battling close to the atmosphere of the planet.

As soon as the alert was raised Dante had jumped into action. He’d scoured the city, assessing the meagre ground forces available, and weighing up their options. The poorly trained Betazoid Security Force proved useless, due in part to the relative peace Betazoid had enjoyed for centuries past. Within an hour the Fleeters were on the run, most of the beaten defenders had engaged the Dominion prior, they’d go down fighting over capture.

His sniper rifle was tucked firmly into shoulder has he swept the destruction wrought from the destruction. He moved quietly, and with purpose, as he traversed the city in search of sanctuary. Once the war had broken out, Starfleet Intelligence had built a series of bunkers on the Federation planets with strategic importance. If the Dominion made it to those planets, the Intel personnel were ordered to go to ground and prepare for potential invasion. From there the spooks were to report any intel they could gather that would help Starfleet retake the planet.

As far as he was aware, he was the only spook on the ground within a reasonable distance of the bunker. He was hoping he could change that along the way. He wouldn’t be the man who sought sanctuary in the abandon of others. He’d collect any Starfleet personnel he encountered along the way.

It didn’t take him long to start.

As he rounded another non-distinct corner within the civilian district he found himself witnessing a minor skirmish between Federation forces and the Jem’Hadar. He watched them for a moment, both parties too absorbed in securing their own survival to observe the Intel Officer. A small multi-branch platoon of gold and green, stood their ground firmly as they sent an almost continuous stream of phaser fire at their enemies.

His survey was quickly cut short with the felling of a marine. Dante quickly took aim for the Jem’Hadar position with his rifle, knocking the switch that switched through the rifles modes - he’d always been more proficient with bolts.

The sudden distraction caused by his volley provided an opening that allowed him to quickly slide in with the others. “Lieutenant Dante Xinthia, sitrep?” he shouted out as he continued shooting at the Jem’Hadar position.

“The Tenth Fleet is withdrawing, sir. Orbital Defences have been destroyed, the fleet is crippled” a marine reported coolly, never taking his eyes of their enemies, “an emergency evacuation of all Starfleet personnel was ordered 30 minutes ago, those who didn’t make it to the designated zones in time were left behind. The Betazoid government is preparing to surrender”.

Dante frowned, of course it was over. “Don’t worry, I’ve got a safe location lined up, follow me if you want to live” he ordered as he withdrew behind cover. For a moment he quietly tinkered with his rifle disabling his safety features, then calibrating the power core to overcharge. Once done he threw the rifle at the Jem’Hadar, “NOW!” he bellowed as the rifle sailed through the air. They all jumped into action, chasing the blonde man down the alleyway to their rear.

The sound of the rifle exploding punctuated their departure.

For around 10 minutes the party ducked and weaved their way through the rubble littered streets quietly, the others keeping a keen eye on the El-Aurian. It didn’t take them long to come upon a small storefront, “Get in” Dante ordered - he hoped the destruction hadn’t blocked their entrance.

“Where are you taking us?” a security crewman whispered, clearly unimpressed with the destination Dante had delivered them to.

“Stay where you are” was the only response they got before Dante pulled his left sleeve back, exposing a screen attached to his wrist by a metallic strap. He tapped away patiently as he entered authorization codes and notified the system of his guests. Before long a stream of enemy encapsulated the party, the sign of a transporter doing its job.

Once their atoms had been deconstructed, the room fell silent, leaving no trace of the Fleeters that had occupied seconds later.

“Welcome home,” Dante murmured once they all rematerialised in the bunker, before jumping to work. He still had to secure their home from detection before they were out of the red.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - A romantic confestion

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Lia's Cabin

Timeline: Current

ON

Lia paced her cabin deep in thought, she had to speak to Taylor. But catching him was like catching smoke, in fact Lia felt she probably could catch smoke quicker. She decided to meet the problem head on, she would invite him to her cabin. That should do it, either that or have him running for the hills.

=^="Holmes to Taylor, could you please report to my cabin. We have unfinished business to resolve, thank you out!"=^= Now all she had to do was wait and see.

Gary heard Lia's message and the underlying tenseness? Within it. =^= "Certainly Commander, I will be there within five minutes".=^= He answered and then immediately began to wonder what was wrong, though he had a feeling he knew. Only one way to be sure he mused and that was to go to Lia's cabin and find out.

*Four and half minutes later*

Gary stood outside Lia's cabin and rang the chime to gain admittance. He felt like a schoolboy out on his first date, driving his dad's shiny new car. * Get a grip Taylor!* He mentally scolded himself, *She just wants to talk to you, It could be about anything.* Yet even as he said it, he waited nervously.

In the short time it had taken Taylor to arrive, Lia had change out of her uniform. She now stood dressed in a long blue maxi skirt with a white short kimono top and Japanese house slippers on, She opened the door. "Hi there, you wanna come in? Or are you gonna run for the hill's?" She smiled as she spoke, "I think it's time we had our little talk, don't you?" Lia lead Taylor over to a soft chair and motioned him to sit, "Before we get started, do you want anything to drink? Tea, Coffee, something stronger?" She headed for the replicator, "I'm just having a Coffee myself, not a drinker you see. Father was a bit of an alcoholic, Mother just made excuses for him. Even when he overstepped the mark with me, she just turned a blind eye". She ordered her Coffee, and waited for Taylor to respond.

Gary stared at her,Lia in uniform was attractive, out of it, well in civilian clothes was breath taking! He said nothing for a moment just drank in the vision before him. Finally he spoke, "I think it's best, I come in for our talk." he admitted as Lia led him to a chair and he sat down. He listened as she ran through drink options and explained she wasn't a drinker. "No, nothing for me... at least not yet." He answered quietly. His head snapped up and around at her stating her father had overstepped himself with her. "Your father um was overly familiar with you?" Even as he asked it his blood began to boil at the thought of someone abusing her.

Lia picked up the tone in Taylor's voice when he spoke of her Father, "Lets just say I never chose to loose my virginity, like many things in my life it was just taken". She took a deep breath and collected her Coffee, she turned and made for a chair opposite Taylor. "It was a long time ago, and another lifetime away". She sat down and looked into those eyes, "But that's not why your here, is it? We have to sort out our relationship, starting with your wife". She shifted to get more comfortable, "Needless to say I can't be a plaything for anyone, I guess you could say I'm not that strong. So you want to explain what happens next?" In opening up to Taylor, she knew it could backfire. But something told her he wouldn't hold it against her, a surprise for Lia in the trust department.

Gary listened in silence as Lia spoke of her father and what he had done. When she had finished he spoke. "I'm sorry Lia. For your pain and what he did. You should have castrated the bastard." Venom seeping into his tone. He shook his head, "No, that's not why I'm here. Yes we do and I wouldn't expect you to be a plaything, that isn't fair to you." He paused for a moment before continuing, 'As for my wife and you have to trust me on this and I know what you said before about trusting me. You have nothing to worry about from her. She won't be an issue for us."

The way Taylor stated his wife "Won't be an issue", shook her. "Gary, I can call you that can't I? look I'm a little confused here, why won't your wife be a problem? I won't be a hobby for you, I react badly to that kind of thing. I've had more than my fair share of part time lovers, not this time. This time the guy is all mine, or we go our separate ways". She was breathing heavily, "Rape can do that to a girl you know, make her difficult a bitch even. I'm worse, I'm the Harpy from hell. I'll split you seven ways, come back and do it again. I'm telling you all this so you know what exactly your getting into, like I said honest not what you want to hear". She stood up, "If you want to head for the hill's, now's the time. I'm going for another Coffee, if you stay I will want answers and reactions".

He sat quietly, taking in all she was saying and had said. He realized Lia was baring her soul to him, letting him see her inner self and he knew what that took. He had spent so long putting up walls and keeping people out perhaps it was time to let one person in. He shook his head, " Yes you can call me Gary, it is my name after all." A humorless smile crossing his face fleetingly. Before he added the next,"I don't run. I'm staying." He replied simply as he watched her go fetch another coffee. "No, you deserve more than a part time lover." He agreed softly and you also deserve answers."

There was that voice again, the voice that gently sucked you in and trapped you. Lia turned but stayed at the replicator, "Why do I get the feeling your a little like me? I've read your file you know, we have one thing in common. We don't trust other people, so how the hell did we end up here?" She sipped her Coffee, "When do I get the unabridged version of your life and times? Or is that off limits?" She placed the mug back on the replicator, "Gary, talk to me!" She slipped her slippers off and began undoing her top, "Is this what you want? Will this get you to open up to me?" Tears started to form in her eyes, "Take it if you want it, everyone else did. Why should you be any different? Just don't expect me to enjoy it, and never turn your back on me". Her top hung loose exposing her bra and breasts, she was breathing heavily again as she held her tears in check. Why did she think it would be different this time? After all, he's just a man.

He stood up, anger flashing in his eyes as Lia undid her top. He crossed the room instantly to where she stood. "Don't ever do that again! You are so much better than that. You don't need to throw or cheapen yourself for me or any man." His voice hard but not without feeling. "I'm not everyone Lia." He said as way of a defense, reply. "I see a beautiful intelligent woman.One I want to know better, much better but I won't take it. It has to be freely given on both our parts if this is to work." As a hand came up and gently wiped away her tears. "You read my file, so you know what anyone who reads it knows, my time in that jungle hellhole of a Romulan POW camp." He took off his uniform tunic exposing the ugly scars on his chest and back."This is what they did and no one besides Catlin, you and the doctors has ever seen this." He sighed, "Your right, you know I don't trust other people but I do trust you for all our arguments, I do trust you. What you don't know and no one else on this ship does either....." A deep breath and he looked away for a minute, his eyes loosing their focus before he returned t gaze at her, his eyes now moist, "But are about to find out, is Catlin is dead. A message was sent to me just after boarding ship. She died in a hover car accident." His voice winding down like a clock spring. "Now you know."

Lia felt a hammer blow to her chest, she slowly closed her top. "I didn't know, I'm sorry". She felt him wipe her tears away, normally she would flinch when a man touched her that way. But not him, not Gary. Why? She crossed to the chair and sat down, "I knew about the camp, and the scars. Someone must have updated your file, as for doing this again". She pointed at her top, "Not a hope in hell, you wouldn't believe how scared I am right now. So many times men have just help themselves, do I have a sign that says my body is for free?" She looked up at him standing there, "Why have you kept your wife's death secret?" Her mind was in turmoil, how do you help? What do you say? She stood back up and crossed back to him, slowly hesitantly she embraced him holding him close. "One day I will give you myself freely, but not today. Just hold me, I won't break".

He shook his head."No, you don't and you aren't property. I never want you afraid of me, that's the last thing I want. I want you to trust me, get angry or frustrated with me, curse me and mostly love me but never be afraid of me."Why?" He repeated as his arms came up to encircle and hold Lia, gently to his chest. "When I returned from the camp only Catlin was there only she loved me, helped me back from a truly dark and terrible place. Others gave me pity either through words or actions and even looks. I've had enough of pity! I don't want it. Understanding, sympathy are fine but not pity. Besides, it's none of anyone's business. I know and now you know." He offered a weak lopsided smile. "I'll hold you forever if that's what it takes. I know you won't break, you're tougher than that. As for giving yourself freely one day. I can wait, I have all the time in the world."

She laid her head on his chest, his heart was beating out a fast rhythm which entranced her. "Trust will come one day as well, I won't tell anyone about what we've spoken about. I promise you that, as for cursing you. That's a given". She smiled as she spoke, nestling into Gary. Her guard down, he could have done anything to her before she reacted. But all he did was hold her, as she asked. Slowly she pulled away, and turned towards the replicator. "I need a Coffee, what about you?" Her hand shook as she picked up her mug, quickly she replaced it on the counter. "Guess my nerves are really shot through, I almost feel faint". She stood both hands on the counter, "Now is the time of our nightmare, I can't seem to stop shaking. Do you always have this effect on women?" Lia was trying to make light of her situation, but fear was creeping into her mind. She was basically helpless, and he now knew it. what would he do?

"Fair enough." He replied simply. There was no reason for long winded replies, they both knew where they stood and what was going on. "No,nothing for me thanks." he said quietly as he watched and listened to her talk about her nerves. He shook his head at her attempt at a joke. "Not usually." He admitted. As he moved to her side. "Your like a scared little rabbit. Come sit on the couch and relax. Nothing to be afraid of." He said gently as he placed one hand on her elbow to steer her to the couch. "If you still want coffee I'll bring the cup to you. You just stay put. Thank you as well for not telling anyone about.... " he paused and took a breath before continuing "About what we discussed. I appreciate it."

His closeness frightened her, she awaited the groping and the filthy incursions that normally followed..... Nothing..... Just a gentle touch to her arm and help to sit down, not even an attempt at touching what she had so readily exposed. She looked up at him, "Thanks, but I'll pass on the Coffee. Can I be rude and ask if we can continue at a later time, my mind is shot and I'm scared. Sorry Gary, but I am. It's nothing you've done, believe me". Her eye's began to fill with tears again, "Maybe I'm not ready for this, maybe I'll never be ready for this. I'm to damaged to have a normal relationship, to far gone to enjoy a healthy, happy relationship". In her heart she felt a pain, the pain of longing for someone to care. But there was also fear, fear of abuse, fear of rejection, fear of being left alone.

"You aren't being rude Lia. It's been an eventful evening." His voice soft and understanding no traces of recriminations or defensiveness in it. He shook his head in disagreement at her self analysis, "You're wrong Lia where you see damage, I see an incredibly beautiful, intelligent resilient woman who has gone through some awful episodes in her life but still has the courage to get out of bed every morning, put one foot in foot of the other and keep moving forward." He headed for her door but stopped just before leaving turning back to look her in the eye. "And that Lia is real courage. Good night." With that he was gone.

She watched him leave, as the doors closed she openly cried. The stark difference between her on duty persona, and her private life was as wide as the grand canyon. Sniffing and half blind with tears she felt for a tissue, finding one she wiped her eye's and blew her nose. What the hell did he really think of her? Changing into a nightdress Lia headed for the bed, she sat staring out at nothing her mind spinning and tumbling with thoughts and fears and hope. Climbing into bed Lia now spoke, "Computer, lights off". How hollow those words sounded, she looked around her quarters....Empty save for her.... How typical she thought, she had a chance of happiness and she blew it.

LT(JG) Shiannah Shannas's Personal Log - Hell is (sometimes) other people... sometimes just yourself.

The following is a personal log from LT(JG) Shiannah Shannas.

ON:

Shiannah looked at the mirror, her face reflected there seemed to be that of someone else, the crows feet at the edge of her eyes and the lines of worry at her mouth. She could, she thought, still turn heads though she felt old... So god-damned old amongst this team of youngsters who made up the bulk of the USS Elysium's crew. "By the Gods... I'm old enough to their mother!" she exclaimed thinking back to the young Marine in the Shuttle Bay. Was he really attracted to her or was it just some god-damn mother fixation?

Like most times when somehting niggled her she forgot about it and ran a brush through her long dark hair, even if it was lightly filigreed with gray. She suddenly laughed to herself, the sound girlish and youthful at least.

"At least you made it this far" she muttered as she applied just the slightest hint of kohl eyeliner. She thought of all those who hadn't made it, trying to recall the faces of the lost and the dead. So many souls gone to whatever Heaven or Moksha... Nirvana or whatever they believed in. Perhaps they were reborn somewhere out there amongst the stars? She liked to think so...

Someone had said once that Hell is other people...

"Sometimes it's just yourself" she mused, as she brushed an imaginery crease from the long silk gown she wore a long slit revelaing a still shapely amount of leg. She tied a gossamer thin matching scarf about her neck. Checking herself out in the mirror she smiled and walked out of her quarters, the door quietly swishing closed behind her.

LTCMDR Gary Taylor's Personal Log - Alone Again......Naturally

The following is a personal log from LTCMDR Gary Taylor.

Gary had returned to his quarters after leaving Lia. His conversation with her was an eye opener to say the least. He hoped she would take his words to heart and realize he was telling her the truth. She was a courageous, intelligent woman. Now she just needed to believe and accept it. He walked slowly through his quarters never feeling more alone than he did right now. Entering the bedroom he sat on the side of the bed and gazed lovingly at a picture of Catlin on his bedside table. "I miss you Catlin, I miss you so much! It wasn't suppose to be like this. I was going to come home to you and we were going to start a family and just settle down. Spend some good old fashion quality time together."

He fell back on the bed holding the picture, gazing at the picture with love in his eyes. "You weren't suppose to die Catlin! He screamed in anguished pain. "I need you!" The pain of her death like a knife in his heart. It had robbed him of everything he held dear in life which was Catlin. She was the one constant he could always count on, his guiding light and now she was gone. He sopped as tears began to stream down his face like twin rivers as the emotions he had kept so tightly under control and hidden from view finally broke through and he wept uncontrollably. Lying there weeping, the overwhelming loss he felt from Catlin's death threaten to crush him, drown him in overwhelming grief. It had done the one thing the Romulan's and all their beatings had never been able to do, it broke him. He was truly alone, adrift on uncertain tides just bobbing aimlessly. There was no one for him and the universe turned a blind eye and deaf ear to him. Frankly it didn't care in the least about how one insignificant human male felt.

In his darkest hour at his most vulnerable, Gary Taylor truly was alone again....... naturally.

LTCMDR Aurelia Holmes's Personal Log - Afterthoughts and aftershocks

The following is a personal log from LTCMDR Aurelia Holmes.

"Computer, record personal log.

It's been several hours since Commander Taylor left. He did say I could call him Gary, but after what happened I'm not so sure he's even going to want to talk to me. I let slip some family ghosts and past failed relationship details, then chose to do something really stupid. That made him mad, and me scared. Just how I'm going to be able to face him on the bridge or even in the corridor, I just don't know. What if he reports it all to the Captain? My whole career could sink without trace, why do I even try to trust men? I'm still a little shaky even now, tried to get some sleep but couldn't. Things couldn't have started better, he arrived we talked we got into deep talk. Then I go stripping off and shouting at him to talk to me about his private life, like he's going to do that with some nut job whose half naked. What the hell was I thinking? Where the hell was my self control?

My life is a bloody shambles right now, and like some schoolgirl I go looking for love. Me looking for love??? Have you ever heard of anything so bloody daft in your life? Now some MAN has my life in his hands, I suppose the old threats will start soon. You know the ones, (Give me sex and I'll keep my mouth shut) and (Oh come on now, it's only me and my three or four friends. You can handle that, or do I report you to Star Fleet General Command). I wonder how long it will take? They just can't help themselves, a pair of boobs and a comfort hole and they just got to have them. And share them, just to show they have the power to make you do what ever they want.

I could always go to the Captain first, and ask to be transferred. But then she would want to the flipping reason, and the shit would hit the fan. What do I do? I can't even talk to the councillor, 1 she doesn't like me and 2 she would report to the Captain because I'm in a command position. I wonder if I could bluff that Gorn doctor, see if he would give me a sleeping pill or two. I could save them up, only need nine or ten. I will wait and see what happens tomorrow, computer save log and place it in my personal file under countdown. End log".

LTCMDR Tate Sullivan Ph.D.'s Personal Log - Chief Counselor's Duty Log #1 - "Hitting the Ground Running"

The following is a personal log from LTCMDR Tate Sullivan Ph.D..

Where do I even begin?

I must admit, when I found out I was being assigned to the USS Elysium, I wasn't sure how to feel at first. Was is a step backward because I had been here before? Certainly, some people I talked to wondered that aloud. Granted, many of these same people were particularly ambitious in their own careers and more prone to some pretty unusual conspiracy theories to justify why things may not go their way. I suppose some people believe if they're not moving up to bigger postings with larger populations, they aren't really advancing, but I never bought into that. I know people aboard some of the largest starships that exist who complain that all they ever do is ferry people back and forth and participate in dog and pony shows for the Starfleet brass. I also knew people on the smallest ships who discussed doing more in a couple of hours to promote safety and diplomacy than an entire contingency of security officers or diplomats could accomplish in a decade. To reference a rather colorful phrase, I never believed size mattered.

While others tended to look at my reassignment with suspicion, I chose to see it as a compliment. I say that with no trace of arrogance or pride. It meant a lot to me the brass trusted me to come back here to oversee mental health services after this crew had been through so much. I'm still in the process of discovering all of the details, and more accurately, discovering the full extent of the aftermath, but in so many ways, it still felt like coming home again. The sights, smells, and the overall feel of things holds a trace of familiarity. I never thought I would say anything like that in my career, and it's not lost on me how much I sound like an engineer, but then again, how often does anyone get to revisit a form of posting?

In my short time aboard, I've also been reminded how much things have changed, and how it doesn't appear things are going to get any easier or slow down for this crew in the future. I'm not sure if I've ever heard of an explosion happening on the ship without combat being involved, but that's exactly what we recently experienced. I'm not exactly sure what we know yet in terms of who or what's responsible. All I know is that I'm tired and I'm sad, and even without psionic abilities, there is a tension in the air. On top of that, a young pregnant girl got caught up in the explosion, just the second, though only literal bomb she's had to deal with.

I also have a great deal of empathy for the Captain. She knows this crew fairly well, I gather, but even she has to have her breaking point. After everything she has been through with them, I can't imagine having all of this on her shoulders is easy. I want to be there to support her, and I hope she will let me, but I understand it's going to take time.

In the meantime, I am committed to moving forward as best I can.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - All in a days work – morning

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Dyhei Liducca

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Dyhei's Quarters --> Science Decks

Timeline: MD1, 0620

Shuffling herself out if bed, in a still dark room, still but not quite with the time notification bleeding away every twenty seconds. Effectively annoying enough to rouse her most mornings. At least this time if was a time notification and not an alert klaxon. Dyhei punches at the keypad which, acording to her preferances, both silenced and put the lights up all across her quarters, extra bright in her room for the first thirty seconds to ensure she stayed awake, squeezing against the brightness she moved to the main room and issued a number of commands to get her day started. "Computer,display current active projects and labs used on personal terminal. Access replicator, tea, Bolian, Bergamot hint. Toasted Mapa Bread, pot of Preserve, random flavor selection."

As she stood by the replicator the computer suddenly a bounced.

[Advisory. Lieutenant Liducca, you have eight outstanding administration items to complete from stardate 224782.3]

She groaned and lent against the bulkhead, while pulling hair back into some sort of rough ponytail. "Cast to personal terminal, let's sort those over breakfast shall we." taking both cup and plate from the dispensing tray and crossing to a work desk, settling down and started working through the forms and reports, at regular intervals a hand reaching for the drink of food almost without thought or breaking her concentration on the task before her. As she worked the lingering thought that something was missing sat in her mind, a caring hand on her shoulder, or a squeeze around her shoulders, even six years on in these quite moments, the echos of the relationship she once had grew stronger. Dyhei stopped and picked up her mug starring out of the window catching sight of the 'tails' of stars, the visual reminder of the faster than light speed they were traveling at, she smiled and returned to work, just two more reports to go then the day really started.

Breakfast finished she hurried to the shower, casting away her thin night clothes as she did, stepping into the cubical she allowed the invisible waves to wash over her, eyes closed in contentment as she allowed the 'shower' to work its magic coaxing rested muscles bake to a ready state ready for the day ahead.

Dressing quickly in standard uniform, then strolling out into the corridor and turning towards the turobift stop, and soon found herself on the science decks. A smile from the enlisted science mate, who seemed to have sussed her enough to be standing outside Stellar Cartography first thing in the morning. "Hey I'm up to date with admin, did it all this morning." The Hybrid called as she approached. "I saw, I have a request from one of the biology groups to ha e double lab permission until we get to Gamma Quadrant, a double blind study." He stated handing a padd over.

"That's first stop on our morning rounds then." She stated taking the padd without looking at it contents just yet, Dyhei was not one for meetings as a way of keeping up with goings one preferring a daily walk around instead, usually in the morning and patted the frame to her favourite lab and out loud said. "There, there, I'll visit later and we can go exploring." Turning to the bemused enlisted man, offering no other explination than shrugging. "Shall we?"

Intelligence... or perhaps not!

A Mission Post by Lieutenant JG Shiannah Shannas & Ensign Aldek

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: CIO, Deck 44, USS Elysium

Timeline: MD2 (pre-Mission Launch)

On:

Shiannah looked up from the PaDD, her eyes growing tired with the relentless scrolling lists of crew replacements and scanning background checks on the new arrivals and guests – an SOP [OOC: "Standard Operating Procedure"] Intelligence review for insurgents and possible trouble makers. She would pass on a short list of her recommendations and people to watch out for to her counter-part, LT Stiegalle, 2iC in the Tac/Security Dept. on the Elysium.

She looked up and, with a surprised raised eyebrow, discovered a steaming cup of what smelt like a fine Arabica bean blend of coffee.

“It, looked, sir that you required a respite however brief from your work” Ensign Aldek mused as he stood before Shiannah’s desk. She’d been so engrossed in the monotonous work that the Vulcan may as well have been transported there and she doubted she would have noticed. Aldek raised an eyebrow at Shiannah’s obvious unease.

“You know” she said “I could always find a replacement Encryption Specialist amongst the recruits!”

“And then go through the laborious task of re-training them to your special ‘requirements’ and coffee requirements… I doubt it” the Vulcan replied drolly as he sipped from a cup of green tea. Aldek looked over at the 2iC of the Intelligence Section and thought she looked tired though didn’t mention it to his immediate superior. He had a soft spot for Shiannah and had secretly memorised many of her little mannerisms though, if she ever found out, the Vulcan would be truly mortified.

“You should learn to deputise, Shiannah” the Vulcan added.

“Deputise… pah” Shiannah replied looking at the tall skeletally thin Vulcan. “I do little enough aboard the Elysium to warrant my rank. Never mind ‘deputising’ my day-to-day workload to a workaholic Vulcan who don’t seem to require sleep”

“Ah, I forgot how that specific blend makes you irritable” Aldek mused. “In future I will replicate a more subtle and mellowing blend”

“I’ll give you feckin’ irritable” Shiannah snapped then, paused, looking at the Vulcan. “You did that on purpose you puerile pointy eared geek” she laughed, sitting back and relaxing. Then she gathered her thoughts, putting aside her PaDD. “I think I will deputise…” she said after a quiet moment. “Tell you what, Aldek, see what you can find out about our new Departmental Head… Oh, I don’t mean what’s on his Personnel File. Find out about LT Xithia’s past and any nitty gritty details”

“’Nitty gritty!’ indeed” Aldek replied then sighed as he finished his green tea. “I will do what you ask… I suppose that’s what you get for making suggestions” he muttered under his breath.

Shiannah waved a hand as the tall Vulcan stalked away like some giant praying mantis. She whistled a little tune as she returned to the PaDD…

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - What a surprise.... maybe

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Miran Lalor Ms

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: DS9, Promenade Deck

Timeline: MD 2, 14h

Miran walked silently beside her older sister as they walked the promenade deck of DS9. This was boring. A glance at her sister showed the same boredom on her sister's face.

"Why?" she asked under her breath "are we doing this?"

"You wanted to get off the ship." Phoenix muttered back.

"True," the fourteen year old muttered back. Then she looked up and froze. "Pene" she got out between frozen lips.

Phoenix looked up and stopped in her tracks. There, on the promenade deck, about 4 meters away, surrounded by several officers of the Erisan armed forces, was a man she had never thought to see again. "Miran," she said softly her eyes sweeping the deck around them. "Beam back to the Elysium. Now."

A brief nod and her sister hit her comm and was gone seconds later. Leaving Phoenix alone, on the Promenade, amidst multitudes of different races and facing down Prince Alexandre Lath. Brother of her former best friend. A man who, had been her betrothed best friend. His rank pips gleamed on his shoulders. Tazys. A major now. His rank was the equivalent to her own within Starfleet.

She didn't move, allowed them to come to her. Alexandre swept up and gave her a proper bow. "Your Royal Highness." he said, his hand instinctively reaching for hers which she gave just as instinctively. He pressed his lips to the back of her hand and released her hand.

"Tazys Lath." She replied, using the proper protocol in her response. "What a pleasant surprise." She said softly. Her gaze swept the others who still stood behind Alexandre. They made no move to intercept.

"You need not worry Your highness." Alexandre said calmly.

She noted that his Standard was perfect. But then he was always good with languages. "Really? You are not here to arrest me? To drag myself and my sister back to Erisa?"

"No. I am here to complete a trade mission." Alexandre replied. "You should however take care."

She raised an eyebrow. A warning? Even more strange. "Really?"

Alexandre nodded. "Your family is not happy as you know. And they will take any chance to pull you down."

Phoenix knew that. "I am aware of this Tazys."

He inclined his head, then his lips twitched in a small smirk. "Male trousers Penelope? You look surprisingly good in them."

She gave him his smirk back in spades "I always look good Alexandre." she drawled. "But thank you for the compliment."

He bowed again. "I see you are commanding your own vessel now. Is it the large one currently docked?"

"The Elysium." Phoenix replied. "My Inheritance as some would call her. Her former CO left her in my hands. Why? Interested in defecting?" she half taunted.

"Not likely." He replied almost stiffly. Then he lowered his voice so only she could hear. "Keep an eye out highness. I will send you information that will assist you." Then he bowed and with a curt head jerk, led his men around her and into the crowd.

Phoenix watched him leave and then, quelling a shiver, slapped her badge and beamed back to the Elysium.

==

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Exit and Enter

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Liam Vir

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: DS9 and USS Elysium

Timeline: MD2: 1200-1430

== DS9 ==

Contempt was a strong word. But in this case, Liam really felt some of it while being on DS9.

He had to remember that it'd been nineteen years since that horrid war from the wormhole ended. He'd only spent a few days on and off over the course of it here, but still...everything about this place echoed the loss from that time. Maybe it was just the old Cardassian architecture from the occupation days of Bajor. It just felt repressive in a way.

As he didn't know anyone here, the El-Aurian was sitting alone at the still operating Vulcan restaurant that he had only heard about in 2375. Surprisingly they had added Romulan dishes as well, as they were now run by some refugees from once-Romulus. Yet another sore spot. But that was a subject for another time.

The PaDD on his small table contained the specs on the USS Elysium. He'd been studying it for a few hours every day, since getting his orders to report in. Dammed if he had everything memorised just yet. One could know all the numbers and schematics in the databanks, but without being inside her hull, it was beret of any first-hand experience. There was only one way to change that. He'd stalled going aboard since the ship had docked.

Standing up from his eaten meal, he tugged on his uniform while scooping up the PaDD and his small luggage and left the promenade. Eventually, he found himself at the docking rings. From his vantage the Elysium was almost another station in itself. She had to be one of, if not the biggest ship in service currently. ~That's heaps of power to manage~, he thought. Yeah, it was going to be quite the task in operations.

Two crewmembers in gold were standing watch at the entrance. Tapping the PaDD to display his orders, Liam walked over to the Ensign at his right. "Permission to come aboard", he said as he handed her the device.

The Benzite Ensign gave Liam a smile. She didn't have a respirator, meaning she was one of the genetically modified members of her species. Smart given her job in security. She went and skimmed through the orders, before handing it back. "Our new Chief of Operations?" She gave an off chuckle. "The first officer was about to send a search party after you, but welcome aboard Lieutenant Vir, sir. I'm Ensign Berdar. "

Liam gave his usual nod in response. "Thank you Ensign." He thought for a moment about reporting directly in to the XO, or even the Captain, but he wanted to get started on settling in first. "Could you tell me where my quarters might be located by chance?"

Berdar went over to the wall display that was connected to the docking rings monitor and pressed a few buttons. "One moment..." She had to zoom in some as the graphic was small than normal. "You'd be with the other senior officers, on deck seventeen sir. I'll upload the number to your PaDD." With another few press of the buttons, she did that and closed the display. "The nearest turbolift will be directly to your right as you enter the ship. Was there anything else Lieutenant?" She went back to her standing position.

Shaking his no, Liam said, "Negative. Much obliged though. Cheers." And with that he walked across the docking port.

== USS Elysium ==

Deck seventeen opened up to Liams view as he stepped out of the turbolift. ~I could get lost on this ship.~ Not wanting to do just yet, he brought up his PaDD and looked up his quarters number that Ensign Berdar had so nicely done for him. Following the map, he passed by a transporter room and paused there, smiling. Part of him wanted to go in an poke about for a few hours. A transporter room was where it all started, and although it hadn't been the best experience, it was his lifesaver. The best invention next to the warp drive in his opinion. Before he could get caught up in more memories, the transporter operator had noticed him. Clearing his throat Liam spoke up. "Sorry to barge in. I was just um...reminiscing to myself." He walked over and saw the two chevrons on the possibly Human mans collar. "Lieutenant Vir, the new Chief of Ops. Petty Officer..?"

The dark skinned and bald man raised his hand out for a handshake. "Petty Officer Walker, at your service sir. Reminiscing? You were a transporter operator sir?"

Liam grabbed his hand and shook it, letting the other man let go first. He looked around again and nodded. "Long time ago actually. Back when I was a Crewman, starting in Starfleet. It changed my life, literally." Liam held in the why part. "Anyways, I'll leave you to it Petty Officer. Have a good day." He walked out, in his usual awkward fashion. There would be time to get to know those in his department later. It was nice to know there was a transporter room not to far from where he lived now.

Passing a few civilians, he finally found his way to his new quarters. Stepping inside, he found a room that was bigger than most Captains quarters he'd ever seen. ~What in the heck would I do with all this space?~ All he ever had needed was a small room with a bed, bathroom, a desk and a replicator. He walked over to the window, which he was glad to have, and dropped his bag and PaDD down. Staring out for a few minutes he turned back to the room. What few things he collected would be brought over by the quartermaster later. Still, not counting a drum or two it wouldn't fill up much space.

But home was what one made of it. And he'd try his hardest to do something. Picking up his bag again, while placing the PaDD down onto the nearby desk. Opening up the bag, he took out the spare uniform to his closet and a few of his gemstones, laying them up on a shelf. It was a start. With the physical stuff out of the way, he wanted to get some work prep done. Walking over to the replicator he ordered up a drink. "Tea, jasmine, hot." It appeared a moment later, with the familiar matter swirl, and he grabbed it to sit down at the desk console. Bringing up the Operations department manifest, Liam looked at the people he was going to be overseeing and began to read their personnel files. He noticed the previous Chief had done a tremendous job, before she transferred as an instructor on board. Big shoes to fill.

Time flew by and before he knew it over an hour had passed. Looking at the chrono display he noticed it was now past 1400 hours. ~Frak, I'd better go see the CO.~ Standing up, he put the now empty teacup back into the replicator to recycle, then tapped his combadge. "Computer, please locate Commander Lalor."

A voice different than the one he'd heard for the last thirty years replied. Liam did a mental face-palm in forgetting that the Elysium had a unique AI helping to run her, named Avalon. ~Now there's something, no someone, I'd like to meet.~ The El-Aurian was very pro-artificial life and felt few strides had been made since Data and the Doctor had gained their rights. Again though, another subject for another time.

Exiting his quarters, he quickly hoped his first meeting with the Captain wouldn't be a disaster, but a good start.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Flowers on the Grave

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Liselle Qwyyn

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Deep Space Nine - Promenade

Timeline: MD 2 - 14h00

As Liselle Qwyyn walked along the promenade of Deep Space Nine, a dozen distractions reached out to her and grabbed for her attention.

Lights flashed.

People scurried by.

Faces from countless species ebbed and flowed within the man-made channels of alien traffic that spilled out around her, sapients of all manner of colors and configurations and sizes made their way from restaurants to transport vessels. From hotels to bars. From holosuites to turbolifts. From bars to holding cells.

Sounds flashed.

People scurried by.

But Qwyyn was focused. She found herself falling into a crowd of Bajorans, and she was grateful for the buffer they provided between herself and those strangers that occupied every square centimeter available in the walking space around her. The cloister of Bajorans made their way to the station's temple, and there Qwyyn broke away from their group, allowing them to enter while she remained a respectful distance from its entrance.

Liselle was quiet, contemplative. She walked to a nearby wall that surrounded the temple enclave, and once there she placed a delicate hand against its surface. Beneath her fingertips she could feel cold metal.

Here.

Here was where it had happened.

She could almost feel it.

"Can I help you?" a voice asked her.

She turned around in surprise.

A slim Starfleet officer stood with his hands behind his back, looking at her expectantly. He was attractive, rather young for his rank. His eyes belied a kindness she rarely saw so close to the wormhole.

"I'm...I'm sorry," she stammered to him. She pointed to the wall behind her. "I was just paying my respects."

The man smiled, his amusement bringing warmth into his features. "You knew the man who painted these walls, Commander?" he teased.

There was something in his voice that reminded her of Admiral Myrkul Sharr. A certain poetic lilt to his accent. It was in the way he said 'commander.' She imagined she'd hear the very same inflections Sharr once used if she asked this man to say 'tomato' or 'schedule.' Toe-matt-toe. Shed-yul.

"Are you El-Aurian, Lieutenant?" she asked.

"Human, actually," he said. "And it's Doctor."

Doctor. Another word that carried that inexplicably attractive accent. The Doctor held out an encouraging hand, palm up. He was certainly earnest if nothing else. "Please continue. I'd love to hear more about this painter of yours."

"No painters, I'm afraid." Qwyyn said with a sad shake of her head. "There was a woman who died here. I wanted to say goodbye to her."

The Doctor swallowed then. The light in his eyes darkened. The good humor faded. He dipped his head for a moment. In respect perhaps. Remembrance. Anger? He looked up at Qwyyn again. "She was a friend of yours?"

Again Liselle shook her head. "No. I've never met her before," she admitted. She found her hands going subconsciously to her pouch where the Qwyyn symbiont nestled. "I'm joined," she said by means of explanation. "One of my previous hosts was a Trill Guardian. They tend to be very old and stoic men who live in the caves on Trill and they --"

The Doctor held up a hand. "I actually know a great deal about the Guardians. I've had the opportunity to meet a few."

She raised a brow at that. "I see. That's...unusual. Well, the Guardians have a unique respect for the joined. A profound respect. Many of our kind remember either the symbiont or the host before the joining, but few share our degree of reverence for what exists when the two share a life. While many take comfort in the symbiont living on in a new host, we Guardians deeply mourn the unique and precious being that has been lost when a joined Trill passes." She stepped back to the wall and placed her hand there again. She closed her eyes. Breathed. Slowly. "It's like I can feel her. A proper Guardian would have the training and discipline to hear her echo." She smiled, her bottom lip tucked between her teeth. She nodded, as if to unheard music. "Yes. I think I can feel her." Her eyes opened again. She looked at the Doctor, her expression far from confident. "But maybe I'm just letting my imagination get away from me."

To her surprise, she found the Doctor's attention was absolutely rapt. "Is she...saying anything to you?" he asked, a tinge of hope saturating his question.

"No. It's...This is not a seance. It's more of a ritual. I'm trying to --" She took a sharp breath then, as if suddenly snapping back into reality. She sighed. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. This was silly of me. Even for me this was silly. I shouldn't have -- I really should go."

She stepped around the Doctor and started toward the docking pylon.

"Wait!"

She stopped and turned back to him.

For a moment he seemed unable to find his words. The fingers of either hand fidgeted with one another for a moment until finally he pointed to a restaurant nearby. "Would you care to join me for dinner?" he asked. "I could tell you all about her. Bring you up to date for your Guardian archives or whatever."

Liselle gave him a sad smile. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to dredge up old memories. It was my previous host that drew me here to pay the ritual respects."

A memory came to her then, the Guardian's most precious saying. The creed: We honor their past. We protect their future. We do not take either for ourselves.

"It really wouldn't be appropriate," she added, remembering those words. "Besides, I need to get back to my ship. We're leaving soon."

"Ah!" he said with happy recognition, and now he pointed to the upper docking pylon. "The Elyisum, is it? She's a beautiful ship."

"She is." Qwyyn agreed with a nod.

The Doctor sighed. She could see that he was throwing in the towel on any further conversation. He extended a hand to her. "Very well, Commander. Good luck. Happy travels."

Before she could second guess her instincts, Liselle stepped forward and hugged the young man to her. Surprised by the sudden affection, he awkwardly gave her a few considered pats on her back. She could imagine the look on his face right now.

"I'm sorry about your friend," she said to him. Softly. A whisper.

They pulled away from one another and she was surprised to see a tear shimmering in his eye. He nodded at her, his embarrassment plain on his face as he wiped his eyes with the back of a hand. "Thank you, Commander."

She reached down and squeezed his other hand. "Good bye, Doctor," she said. "Happy travels."

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Fun and Games

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Holodeck

Timeline: Slight backpost

October 26th, 1881

It was a high shimmering day. The sun blazed down from overhead, There was no breeze. It was as if it knew what was coming and wanted no part of the coming showdown.The streets were empty, the townsfolk all knew what was coming. It had been brewing for several weeks and had now finally reached it's head. There was no turning back.

Wyatt Earp (Gary) stood on the front steps of the Marshall's office, "Damn, how'd we ever get to this?" He asked his brothers, Virgil and Morgan. He was dressed in black pants, a white shirt,a black bow tie with a black duster. A black broad rimmed hat was atop his head and a gun and gun belt were strapped around his waist. "Well hell Wyatt, them Cowboys pushed and pushed us. Now their riding in with their guns, clearing violating the law!" Virgil snapped. "I'm gonna put them all in jail or see them dead.''

"Easy now Virg. You want a fight over a misdemeanor?" He questioned his brother.

"Damn right I do!"

A few meters away, in the corridor of the Elysium, Liselle Qwyyn stared at the sealed holodeck doors. Commander Taylor was just beyond, engaged in a program. Her first thought was to check what he had running, to help her decide how intrusive her interruption might prove to be, but she quickly reconsidered. Sometimes you could learn things about a person that you couldn't unlearn. Still, she needed to speak with him. Ordinarily, she would bring her current problem to the captain, but it certainly didn't seem appropriate given the nature of what she was struggling with.

The commander had only been in there a few minutes. It was probably best to bother him now at the start of whatever he was doing. But, what if he was in there with Lia?

Qwyyn shook off her doubts. She reached up to the controls and placed her fingers there. The LCARS displayed brightened in response to her touch.

"Commander Taylor, it's Lieutenant Commander Qwyyn. Can I trouble you for a moment of your time? It's important."

Gary heard Liselle's voice wishing to speak with him. He sighed silently before replying, "Computer pause program." He announced as the computer carried out his command freezing the program and other him it's participants. "Come on in Liselle." He replied as he turned towards the holodeck entrance and awaited her admittance.

The doors slowly whined opened and Qwyyn stepped through.

And into a scene she couldn't even begin to understand. She found herself blinking. Not speaking. Just blinking. The costume in which the commander had adorned himself was utterly baffling. Whatever reason she originally had for coming here instantly left her mind as she took in the sights and smells of the scene around her. A question burned in her throat and it came tumbling out before she could stop it. "Sir, if I may ask, where in all of the galaxy is this place?"

Gary looked around the holodeck. a smile coming to his face. "This? This is Tombstone Arizona, a state in the United States of America. Nineteenth century and the site of one of the most famous gunfights in the history of the Old West. " Now it was his turn to ask a question, "Now what can I do for you?"

Of course she had heard the question. But the excitement of such strange surroundings made it near impossible for her to listen to it. "This is Earth?!" she said, incredulous. "Gods, I can hardly believe it! It looks so...so different! I had no idea human history was so...just...wow!" She found herself taking a few steps forward, kicking up rust colored sand as she approached Virgil, frozen in place before her. Qwyyn studied the projection of the man, gazing upon him from several angels, oddly careful not to disturb him. She turned back to Gary. "Has the 'gunfight' already happened?"

Gary laughed at her statement and her study of Virgil. "Earth history is colorful especially when dealing with the Old West. "That's Virgil Earp you're looking at and over on the steps is Morgan Earp. I'm Wyatt Earp." He shook his head, "No, not yet still have a few minutes. Have to wait for Doc Holiday to join us then we'll walk down to the corral for the gunfight." He looked at her for a moment. "Would you like to join in?"

Qwyyn tucked both of her lips between her teeth. Her neck tensed as she tried to swallow her excitement. She didn't trust herself to speak. Her eyes belied how absolutely thrilled she was that Gary had extended the offer to her. She nodded enthusiastically.

Gary saw the excitement in Liselle's eyes and he smiled broadly. "Fantastic! Computer outfit Commander Qwyyn in the clothing of Doc Holiday." He shrugged his shoulders, "Why not? In a hat and a duster, you'll look like him and the computer will compensate so the others think you are Doc. Alright computer begin outfit change."

As soon as the sparkling materialization of her new outfit had completed, Liselle stretched out her arms to study her new costume. She was dressed in a cleanly pressed white shirt covered by a heavy black coat that fell to her ankles over black pants of some strange fabric. She had the most wonderful black bow tie just beneath her chin. Her eyes rolled back to see the heavy black hat that was now perched upon her brow. Her mouth cracked the widest smile she had worn in a year or more. An instrument appeared at her feet. She reached over and picked it up. The shotgun she held was just as foreign to her as every other element of this scene. She held its barrel to her eyes and peered deep within. "What is this?"

"Now don't you look the part of Doc Holiday." Gary said with approval. Moving to stand next to her, he took the shotgun from her and turned it around so the barrel was facing away from her. "This is a shotgun. Double barrel. See the two triggers?" He pointed to the triggers. "You can fire both barrels though I wouldn't do that, it packs quite the kick if you aren't use to it. Or just one at a time. It's easier to control that way. It fires a shell made up of lots of smaller pellets that strike the target. It's quite effective and deadly. It's what your going to use to kill the bad guys."

Liselle was convinced that by this time tomorrow she would be suffering intense jaw pain from all of the smiling that she had been enjoying these last few minutes. She brought the shotgun up to her chest, trying a couple of different poses for proper firing posture. Nothing felt right. She shrugged at Taylor. "Help?" she said with shy embarrassment.

"Sure thing." Gary answered readily as he moved to stand behind Liselle. "Keep hold of the shotgun but relax your arms." He instructed as he brought his arms up and around her from behind, bringing the butt of the gun to nestle into her shoulder. "Now keep it tight to your shoulder when you fire. If you don't you can get a nasty bruise or worse."

She felt a long forgotten sensation wash over her as he helped her find her form. She tensed. Swallowed. Liselle sucked in a breath from between her lips. Her next action was quickly decided and she purposefully stepped full away from him. "Great. Got it. Thank you," she said. She turned back, gave him a nod. Smiled. Again. More fuel for tomorrow's painful cheeks. "Okay. I'm ready. Let's kick some bad guys on the butt, Wyatt!"

He looked at Liselle for a moment, wondering if he had done something improper for her to move away as she did but his smile returned when she announced herself ready. "Good. Glad to hear it and it's in the butt." He gently corrected. "Computer resume program." With that he spoke, "Virg, Morgan, Doc's here, we're ready to do this dance."

Virgil nodded at Liselle while Morgan was more open, "Hiya Doc! Glad you could join us."

"In the butt," Liselle echoed with a confident nod to Gary. She turned to the recently animated hologram. "Thank you very much, Virgil," she said. "I am very happy that I am here, too. Are you ready to kill the bad guys with us?" She raised her eyebrows up and down at him several times in eager anticipation. She hoisted her shotgun up for him to see. "I know how to use this."

Virgil showed a mouthful of white teeth when he smiled. "Well hell Doc, I know you know how to use it and I'm sure glad your on our side in this. As for killing some bad guys. I'm more than ready." With that the three Earps and their friend Doc Holiday began their trek to the OK corral. The foursome walked side by side down the street, their gaze flinty and their steps sure. Until finally they had reached their destination....... the OK corral. Inside were several men all wearing a red sash at their waist marking them as Cowboys. Virgil's voice rang out as sharp and clear as a rifle shot. "We're here to disarm you! Drop your weapons and put your hands up."

"Watch their eyes." Gary said out of the side of his mouth to Liselle. "That will tell you when their going to make their play, er draw."

The reaction was immediate. The Cowboys froze....for a heartbeat maybe two before their hands went to their guns. "Wait!" Gary screamed, "I don't want this. Drop your weapons."

Time seemed to stand still.

Liselle forced her enthused smile away. It was hard not to shrink under the intense eyes, the hard as nails looks, the deathly stares, all worn on the grim faces that surrounded her. She scrunched up her own features, furrowed her brow and put on her best scowl. The shotgun weighed a million pounds in the one hand that held it low. It was slippery in the sweat of her palm. Don't drop it. She brought her free hand up to support the weapon alongside the first, to keep it from falling to her feet.

Wrong move.

The silent gesture spoke volumes. As one, the bad guys found their weapons, moving so fast that Liselle was convinced that the computer was allowing the holograms to cheat their actions. Her ears filled with the popping sounds, loud, deafening. Sand kicked up from the ground in clouds of billowing dust and smoke.

One of the Earp brothers was firing away from his position beside her, his weapon exploding again and again next to her ear. She knew the computer wouldn't allow the sound to do any permanent damage, but it had to be damn close. She couldn't make herself move.

"Oh no." Gary groaned as the Cowboys as a unit went for their guns. His hand was a blur as he brought his own gun up, firing at the nearest Cowboy, Tom McLaury, catching him square in the chest, blood blossoming from the wound. He moved to bring his gun to fire at another Cowboy even as he glanced at Liselle and saw her frozen in place. He took his free hand and pushed her out of the way even as he shouted, "Shoot Doc! Shoot!"

His command tapped her Starfleet instincts. Suddenly, she was no longer a participant in a holodeck simulation, she was an officer who had just received an order from her commanding officer. She brought her shotgun up into the ready position. Without any established muscle memory, the action was slower than it should have been, mechanical. Gary's earlier training session was paying off, however. She pictured his arms wrapped around her shoulders, helping her pull up the gun, tucking the stock against her shoulder, tight. She lined up her shot and pulled both triggers.

Her aim was horrible. But she quickly came to learn that the nice thing about shotguns -- particularly those of the double barrel variety -- was that accuracy was hardly important. The ends of the barrels exploded, spraying the payloads in a wide arc in front of her. The force of the blast tripped her backwards several steps. Before she collapsed to the ground, she saw one their adversaries fly back through the air, limbs flailing. Liselle's ankles caught each other and she hit the dirt, landing hard on her butt.

Gary moved to cover Liselle as she went flying from the kick of the shotgun and the fact she fired both barrels at once. He crouched low as he checked on her, His gun firing as fast as he could pull the trigger. "You okay?" He asked concern in his voice. The last thing he wanted was Liselle getting hurt because of his program.

She winced. The pain that stung her was more from embarrassment than any real physical harm. Again the smile found her lips. She couldn't help it. "This. Is. The greatest. Program I have EVER seen," she said. "Ever."

Gary smiled at her as he knelt besides her, the smile creasing his granite like features and like that, as quickly as it had begun it was over. The Cowboys lay dead. The Earps and Holiday were victorious and their legend cemented for all of eternity. "I'm glad you liked it and since you do. You can run the program anytime you like."

"Oh, I think it's painfully clear that I need a lot more practice before I'll be ready to try this again!" She reached out a hand to him, needing the help to find her feet again.

Gary took Liselle's hand in his and helped her to her feet. " A small chuckle escaping his lips. "Well Doc." He gently teased, "Your none the worse for it. You may need a little practice but not as much as you think. You did very well for your first time. I'm glad you enjoyed it. It's my favorite. It was a pleasure to have you join in. I've got some other programs on the old west you might like as well..... that's if your up to trying them. Like the shootout between Doc Holiday and Johnny Ringo."

"I will kick him in his butt!" Qwyyn affirmed. She held his hand still, always able to find the awkward angle in any situation. "Thank you, sir, for this. I don't think I realized how much I needed an escape from myself until I actually had one." Realizing only now the protracted handshake she had forced him into, she gave his hand back to him. "Sorry."

Gary shook his head, " I know you will and not sir in here just Gary and you are sincerely welcome. Everyone needs an escape, a release valve so to speak. I'm glad you realized that." He smiled as she released his hand. "Sorry?" He questioned, "Why? You didn't do anything wrong. Just two friends sharing and enjoying a program."

"In that case, thank you, Gary," she said. She suddenly felt a flare of jealousy for the affection she had caught between him and Lia on their away missions. Qwyyn shook the thought away, pushed it aside. She knew she couldn't trust her own emotions right now. Everything she thought she knew about her day-to-day life aboard this ship had shifted, and it was wrecking a bit of havoc on her crazy little psyche. The shake-up of the Elysium's crew had gone better than she could have possibly hoped, but it was still a big change that she needed to adjust to. "Actually, the reason I came here in the first place was to get some advice from you about something. If you still have a moment?"

'I have a moment." He replied easily enjoying these past few moments of enjoyment. He had thought he had wanted to be alone but he now realized he was wrong. He had thoroughly enjoyed himself and the program and it was all because of Liselle's being here and sharing, interacting with the program. "So fire away. Just what situation do you need advice from me for?"

She took in a sharp breath and then sighed, more nervous now than she had been in Gary's unfamiliar simulation. Perhaps it was because of his rumored relationship that she hesitated. Or maybe it was because she didn't want to appear incapable to him. Whatever the reason, she knew that what was pressing on her mind was something that needed to be dealt with. "I'm sure you've heard about Feyth and River Waters? They both serve in Flight and they've clearly engaged in...a physical relationship. I don't know what the state of that relationship is now, but it's something I need to address with them. I...I've never really had a situation like this come up before in my department. I was hoping maybe you could give me some guidance on how to approach this without going too far," she said. "Normally I'd ask the Captain, both as a friend and as my commanding officer, but she is dating River's older brother, so..."

"No. You did the right thing by coming to me first. No need to involve the Captain at this time. You are talking about a Chief Petty Officer and a cadet. Not the best of circumstances for each of them." Gary looked at Liselle, "Liselle, you need to be concerned but not unsympathetic. They are skating on thin ice here. The first thing you do is bring them both in and find out just what the state of the relationship is. Once that is done, you need to impress upon them both the need for professionalism in the department and that you aren't going to put up with any shenanigans. You need to preserve the chain of command in your department and not have any talk of favoritism in it." He stopped, "That's what I would do if I were in your place. The bottom line Liselle is you have to do what you think is right for your department."

"Thank you," she said. "That makes a lot of sense." She looked him up and down, taking him in, dressed as he was in his fascinating garb. What a place Earth had been! She then looked down at herself to enjoy her own costume one last time. She grabbed the material of her duster in her fingers. Again that smile was on her lips. "This experience was absolutely perfect." Qwyyn let her hands fall back to her sides and she started for the exit, stopping just as she came to the arch. She turned back to him, tucking a stray lock of hair behind an ear. "I'm glad you're here, sir," Liselle said. She knew the compliment would sound awkward coming from her, but she forced herself to say it. She wanted him to know how much she appreciated his efforts as the ship's executive officer. After Faye's betrayal, she wasn't sure how she would feel about any replacements. "I'll see you around, Gary."

Gary watched her head for the arch, stopping to pay him a compliment. He nodded at her. "Thank you Liselle. Thank you very much. That means a lot to me. As for seeing me around, you know it. We have a lot of experiences left to explore. Just let me know when your ready." As he turned to look down the dusty street a small smile coming to his face. He knew he'd do this again.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - New Spook

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Dante Xithia & Commander Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Captains Ready room

Timeline: MD 2 9h30

He'd waited for this meeting for over a fortnight now. Just over two weeks ago Lieutenant Dante Xinthia was forced into shore leave, approximately one week after that, he was ordered to report to one Commander Phoenix Lalor, CO of the Elysium, and take up their vacancy as the ships Chief Spook. As soon as that was issued, shore leave had lost its allure. He was a workhorse by nature, never truly leaving his work behind, even in his downtime.

So, for the past week, he'd caught up on all reports and assignments pending for his own assignment; and, managed to do a little research on the ship that was to become his home. He'd not found out much, apparently, the records of ships under the Command of Admirals was out of his reach - he wasn't keen on being flagged up for pushing the matter. He supposed the opportunity would arise as soon as his position was secured. And here he was, stood outside the Commander Office diligently, eager to get the meeting over and done with - that way he could proceed with his research.

Phoenix was glad they were docked at DS9 and the crew were taking advantage of the time they had. The chime had her looking up. "Come in!" She called out as she put down the reports she had been trying to read.

Dante limped through the threshold once the doors hissed apart, "Commander" he greeted politely as he reached the desk, pulling himself to attention.

"Lieutenant Dante Xinthia, reporting for duty"

A brief frown crossed Phoenix's face before she reached for a PADD. "Please have a seat Lieutenant." She said as she glanced at the information on the PADD. "Ah here it is," she said almost vaguely. "Intelligence. Seems Admiral Carter assigned you here as our new chief of Intelligence." She lifted her eyes to his face. "Welcome to the Elysium."

"Thank you ma'am" Dante responded as he took his seat, "I was shocked myself; I'd not put in for a transfer and I had three years left at my past post" he admitted, "Not that my location matters, just the fact that I can do my job is enough"

"You will be able to do that here. Our team's former chief is now assigned to the on board Academy. A place we feel is better suited for her. But her assistant is still in place and should be able to get you up to speed on the situation on the Ship. We are departing tomorrow for the Gamma quadrant."

Dante's expression blanched almost imperceptibly before it morphed into something more stoic. Anyone who had read his file could see that he had been drafted into the Dominion, spending the final year of the conflict stranded on Betazed after its invasion. He had no desire to venture into the Dominion's territories - the powers that be within the Fleet may have made their peace with the government, that didn't mean the Intelligence Officer had too.

"What's our assignment in the Gamma Quadrant surrounding? Is there anything you would like me to prepare before our departure? I'll also ensure the Intelligence department is working overtime keeping an eye on the Dominion," he shifted in his seat, "I'll speak with Lieutenant Shannas as soon as I can"

"We are to go and explore, map areas where there has not been a Federation presence previously." Phoenix gave a soft sigh. "Not my first choice, but I can understand why they want us on a quiet mission. We will be in the quadrant for 6 months"

"What does the Dominion have to say about our little incursion?" something didn't sit right with the Chief Spook. Not 20 years ago, a short span of time for someone as long lived as he, they were embroiled in a war that spanned 3 Quads; even if only two of them saw any real action, "surely they're aren't going to be pleased upon discovering the most advanced ship in the fleet is navigating their precious territories" the bittter part of himself, the man he strived to seal deep within, couldn't help but feel a slither of amusement at the affront.

"Our course does not take us near their space. The Federation has a station 2 and half days from the Wormhole at warp 5. It is well clear of the Dominion. We are instructed not to engage with them where possible."

"Good, I had enough of them on Betazed to last a lifetime" as far as the fleet was concerned he was merely stranded in the panic, not many knew of his secondary goal to rouse the population into a moderate revolt, careful not the anger their overlords. The goal was to create enough of a distraction for him to gain as much intel as possible. At that time, as far as the Fleet was concerned, the war was far from over.

For once he hadn't listened. Instead, he helps established a small network that ensured any of the displaced children were protected - he guessed technically they were all children to him, hence his eagerness to remain involved.

He wouldn't flee and tuck tail like the 10th Fleet did, he had to have done something whilst he was trapped, "regardless, I'll keep my eyes and ears open as we traverse the sectors. The Elysium has an impressive sensor suite" he complimented, the way his eyes looked at the walls made it clear who, or what, the sentiment was aimed at.

"Also, once we drop out of warp I could deploy a series of sensor probes? That'll give me a much larger field of vision reaching areas of the Gamma Quadrant beyond the reach of the Elysiums sensors" he suggested almost hopefully, "I would go a long way towards easing my mind"

Phoenix nodded. "That is fine with me Lieutenant. You can do as you wish to assist with keeping this ship safe."

"Thank you, Commander," he said sincerely, appreciative that he wasn't forced to explain his distrust - perhaps it was a perk of his role.

"I would suggest that you meet with our chief of Security about our previous mission, she may have some information for you that you will most likely need," Phoenix added.

"Of course, Ma'am" Dante agreed, she would be his next port of call, probably on the day of their departure - after he'd met with his Asst., of course. "In fact, I intend to meet with all of the Departmental Heads, I wouldn't be doing my job otherwise" it was true, he needed to build a rapport with the people who would secure the best internal intelligence one way or another.

Phoenix gave the man a smile. "Very good." she said. "Oh your predecessor is currently attached to the onboard academy, she will be able to answer any other questions I am sure that you may have about your new team.

"Of course," Dante accepted, "Is there anything else, Commander?"

Phoenix shook her head. "No Lieutenant. You can go ahead and get settled in."

==

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Unto the breach once more dear friends

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Avalon & Lieutenant Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Liam Vir & Lieutenant Sthilg & Lieutenant Dante Xithia & Lieutenant Dyhei Liducca & Lieutenant JG Jessinia Kopl-Johnson & Lieutenant JG Shiannah Shannas & 1st Lieutenant Michael Andrews

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Various

Timeline: MD3: 10h15

== Bridge==

Time to go. To leave the safety of the Federation, to sally forth into the Gamma quadrant. To go and explore. ~Boring~ Phoenix thought to herself as she moved to the centre chair and after a moment looking at it, she turned, faced the main viewer and sat down.

"Avalon, please open ship wide comm."

[Acknowledged] The AI replied.

Phoenix took a breath. "Attention all crew, all hands to departure stations. All senior staff to the bridge. We will be departing DS9 in T-Minus 10 minutes. Seal all hatches, prepare for departure."

Gary was already on his way to the bridge when he heard the ship wide announcement. He had his game face on and was quite frankly ready to get to exploring and see what new wonders as well as dangers they could uncover.

Arriving on the bridge a few moments later, he covered the space to the XO's chair with quick confident steps. "Captain." He greeted Phoenix pleasantly.

~First duty shift, and the first time to the Gamma quadrant...joy.~ Liam exhaled deeply before the turbolift opened onto the bridge. He didn't step out for a moment, as he took in just how large it was. ~As if someone was overcompensating?~ He smiled to himself briefly and stepped out. It then occurred to him he didn't quite know where OPS was. Only the centre seats were a standard configuration from the last thirty-plus years, and there wasn't even a helm seat near the fore of the viewscreen.

~Right, improvisation time.~ He gave a nod to the XO and Captain and said, "Sirs." As if on purpose, he walked around the bridge nonchalantly, getting his bearings while looking at the display readouts from the consoles. It took several minutes for him to find his own station, but he slid into the chair and went right into configuring the LCARS on his display into something more familiar to work with. So far so good.

Lia headed for the bridge, this was not something she was looking forward to. The doors to the turbo lift opened and she stepped through, "Captain". She said as she made her way to tactical, a quick glance was all she managed at Taylor before she felt her self-blushing and feeling sick. Somehow she had to get through this, maybe just maybe Taylor hadn't spoken to the Captain. But how could she find out? She sat down and began to rotate the programs she had adapted, `Keep busy' she thought. She made a sweep of the surrounding space, "Nothing on long range scan, the board is clean and green Captain". She looked towards the command chairs, Taylor was between her and the Captain. Now what?

Gary allowed his gaze to follow Lia as she came onto the bridge and swiftly made her way to the tactical station. He saw the quick glance and the coloring of her cheeks even as he remembered their discussion. "I should hope so Commander after all we are still docked." He told her in a jesting manner, hoping she would know her secrets were safe.

Fire burned in Lia's eye's, then died quickly as she realised who had spoken. "Star Fleet Protocol, when leaving orbit. Long range scans will be carried out, so as to keep the Captain updated to any threat". The voice was flat and lifeless, so to were the eye's now. She looked at Taylor but didn't seem to see him, her gaze almost fixed on some distant point unseen by anyone else. Her mind raced to find some comfort, had he told the Captain? Would he inform the Captain of her transgression? Lia's understanding of the situation was clouded and narrow, fear and ridicule seemed to be lurking and she was the target. She turned back to her station, and found some comfort in doing her duties.

Gary wasn't stupid. He saw the distant look in Lia's eyes and heard the monotone way she talked. He made a note to talk with her later. But for now....."Ah.Yes. Very well, by all means do your job. We wouldn't want to be ambushed."

She half heard his reply, but it didn't register. Her mind now fully focused on the readout's in front of her, the Bridge and it's occupants faded from sight and sound. Every detail of those readout's was an escape, as long as she watched them and understood them no one could hurt her. Not even Taylor. Nor the Captain, she had to watch those readout's nothing else mattered. Nothing at all.

=== Aboretum, Level 1 Cafe' ===

Shiannah sipped the Arabic blend coffee from a small white cup like something taken from a Doll's tea service - Though the coffee itself was strong, black and sweet. She had cleared her office in the Intelligence Section and downloaded some information to her secure PaDD for further reference regarding some ongoing investigations and required background checks for some of the new crew, Cadets and crew rotations.

She felt lucky that, unlike most of the on-duty roster crew, she didn't have a duty station or a set day-to-day routine. That was, at least, what made the job tolerable if not always fun. Shiannah sometimes felt, as an Intelligence Officer never mind the 2iC in the department, that people were always suspicious that you had some hidden agenda. Perhaps her job description should be changed to 'Chief Poker into Dark Corners?'

"Better check in though" she mused to herself as she finished her coffee.

=^= "Shiannah reporting in, to Lt Xithia, I'm in the Arboretum" =^= she tapped her comms in case the Intel Dept CO needed her.

=^= "Good morning, Lieutenant" =^= Dante's voice called back, the sound of his heavy foot steps clearly audible over the transmission; a common occurrence brought about by his limp =^= "Once you are finished doing whatever it is that you're doing, head straight for the Intel Facility. Make sure everybody is finalising their preparations for our journey into the Gamma Quad" =^= he ordered, =^= "I'll be manning the intel station on the Bridge. If you need me, don't hesitate to contact me" =^=

=^= "Will do... call me if you need me to take over on the Bridge" =^= Shiannah replied over coms as she sipped her coffee, though, being honest with herself she was quite happy to stay here at the Arboretum for the moment and decided to finish her coffee before heading the Intel Dept as ordered. A few moments later she sighed and, gathering her things, heading for her office on Deck 44...

======Main Engineering=====

Matias and his crew were preparing for the journey to a strange part of the galaxy. There were new power sources that would be needed and upgrades to the computer. He needed some exercise and excused himself for a few minutes. He left Engineering and started running down the corridors, keeping up his fitness routine. He didn't know if any would join him, but it was refreshing. He needed to get out of Engineering for a little while.

====== Marine barracks =======

Michael had everything situated and ready. The trip to GQ should be uneventful but a good marine was ready for any and every situation. This ship and her crew were among the finest in the Federation. He headed for the Bridge.

====== Bridge ======

Michael stepped out and took a side spot out of the way. He wasn't technically senior staff, as the detachment was marine on a fleet ship. He nodded to Lalor. "Good Morning, Commander, " he said.

Lalor nodded back in acknowledgement.

====== Medicle bay ======

Having set his medical staff to double check everything was ready for operations and they had enough supplies the big gorn left the center of his world and headed for the bridge.

==== Intel dept, Deck 44====

The Turbolift door hissed open and Shiannah stepped out, still tasting the strong sweet coffee on her lips. She walked to her office and nodded to a few crewmen who seemed to be going about their business in an efficient fashion. She waved to Aldek, a tall skeletal-thin Vulcan Security Officer, [OOC: npc] and called him over.

"Ensign Aldek, call an Intel Section Meeting for say, about three PM ship-time in the Intel Briefing Room... I'm sure the new CO, LT Xithia, will want to meet'n'greet the department and give us a Mission Briefing... If he's still busy I'll chair the meeting myself" she said to the Vulcan. "I know I don't have to ask though can you make sure there are sufficient refreshments replicated and such like in place" she added. The Vulcan nodded and Shiannah headed to her office, setting a few reminders to her PaDD.

========== Academy =========

It wasn't a demotion, not really, it was hiding your most deadly asset, in plain sight... Jessinia was now the Intel instructor et al for the ships Academy. Not a large group of course, But it did provide, Excellent cover for All manner of ops to run... Being able to get her littles off to "school" was a joy and it felt Very right. She did feel sorry for her marine, Yes she was his, whether they could actually fully enjoy it remained to be seen. perhaps she'd have him as a special guest, The marine take on intel was very, Specific...

====Bridge ====

Phoenix waited for a five count then turned to the Helm and Operations. "Begin departure sequence please," she said to the two officers there.

"Aye, sir, preparing for departure," Liselle said. She turned her attention to Liam for a moment, flashing him a welcoming smile.

Dante quietly limped onto the main bridge, taking in the vast room as he proceeded down the left walkway. As he passed the Commander he came to attention sharply, wincing due to the pain the sudden force created, "Commanders".

Upon feeling he had sufficiently met the Command Staff, he made his way, somewhat more tentatively, towards the secondary CIC that occupied the lower levels of the Elysiums vast bridge, bracing himself against the railings as he descended down the steps. As soon as he'd reached the bottom, the likelihood of seeing him for several hours dropped sharply unless he was summoned or visited.

While he was running, Matias heard the page and made his way to the bridge. As he came out of the turbolift, he went to the Engineering station and logged in. His crew down in Main Engineering was working on the new power sources.

The turbolift doors opened once more, despite have told herself on the ride to the bridge to act natural and unhurried, Dyhei crossed quickly to her assigned station at somewhere between a quick walk and a jog. Thankfully her station was towards the back out of immediate view of most primary station. As she took her seat the hybrid wore a frown and a worried grimice as she set herself up at the station, she was aware that the system would have registered her access to the console and hopefully there would be some sort of indication to the command pair, she wasn't about to announce her presence or as the lateness she felt concerned by right at that moment. Her station up and running Dyhei sat back for a moment and tried to relax, still not altogether comfortable with her surrounding, eyes glanced forward to the Helm station and she made a mental note to ask Liselle for her thoughtson on being on the bridge, the next time they had a chat. For now she waited for the next instruction and kept an eye on sensor feeds.

Hearing the Captains' order, Liam echoed it back. "Departure sequence, aye." He cleared the power umbilical from DS9 and confirmed it with the station. Engineering was now left to its own devices again.

For a moment he glanced at the view screen and thought, ~Maybe fate will be kind, and they'll replace that accursed station with a Federation one by the next century.~ One could hope.

Liselle keyed up a basic departure sequence on her board. Once she had confirmation that the docking clamps were disengaged, she engaged thrusters. "Clearing the docking pylons," she reported. Though she could have cleared the berth of DS9 from instrumentation alone, she allowed herself frequently glances at the visuals. She had always liked the boldness of Cardassian architecture. "Course laid in for the Gamma quadrant, sir." She waited for confirmation from the command officers before setting them on their flight path.

Phoenix nodded "Then lets go." She said calmly and hit the Ship wide comm on the arm of her chair. ["Attention all hands. We are on our way through the wormhole."]

Lia watched the view screen as they passed through the worm hole, `So this is the temple of the prophets' she thought. Normally she would have been excited, but feeling like the sword of Doom was poised to strike her down. Lia simply returned to her console and her readout's, she had to check those readout's.

Gary stared calmly ahead as the wormhole filled the screen. as far as he was concerned he was leaving one life behind and beginning a new one with the passing through the wormhole.

Matias glanced over at Liselle. There had been some feelings between them, he thought. The act wasn't all an act down at that one away mission to find the Commodore. He hadn't followed up on it, and wondered if it was too late. But they were now heading for the wormhole and for new adventures. But where would it take them? He was still somewhat unfamiliar with this galaxy.

Wormhole travel was not the best way to go in Phoenix's mind but she sat on her command chair and watched as the ship entered the wormhole. "Once we are clear of the wormhole, set course to Starbase Gamma, warp 5." She said to the crew on the bridge.

"Aye, sir," Qwyyn acknowledged. "Starbase Gamma. Warp 5." She keyed the upcoming waypoint into her console. By the book. Most experienced officers preferred to keep their flight orders safely tucked away in their brain, make the course corrections only when the time calls for it. But not Liselle. The ritual of a clean flight path had been programmed into her from her Academy days, and it was a ritual she clung to. Properly executing on long practiced procedure always helped calm any unwanted anxiety.

The Trill was suddenly aware of a considered look from Matias. She flicked her eyes to him, but already his attention was elsewhere. Was she imaging things? She swallowed. She returned her attention, albeit reluctantly, to her work. Focus on the flight path, girl.

===Intel, Deck 44 ===

Shiannah turned in her chair and switched the wall screen of her office to the forward ship POV view, real-time, as the USS Elysium headed towards the wormhole and onwards to the Gamma Quadrant and whatever lay beyond. "You may want to watch this people... it's not every day you get to experience a trip through a wormhole" Shiannah addrssed the crew in the Intel Department. Better not mention the various risks of time dilation, spacial anomalies pancaking the ship and such like she thought to herself as she thought about ordering another coffee. She remembered her last trip though this wormhole, on a Galor-class cardassian ship with a full compliment of Jem'Hadar onboard, not as relaxed as the current voyage...

===Bridge===

As time progressed and neither the Captain or Taylor had said anything, Lia slowly returned to normal. Her fascination with the readouts faded slightly, she began to interact more readily. A flashing warning now caught her eye, a close proximity warning stating that another vessel or something else was to close. "Captain", Lia said. "I have a close proximity warning on the port quarter, but I'm unable to get any readings as to what it might be". She did a quick glance towards the command chairs, then back to her console. She continued to try and get some readings, but despite her best attempts she came up empty. "Still not getting anything, but the alarm is still active". It was the Captains problem now, she had done her duty on this one.

Phoenix turned and frowned. "Work with Science please commander. I do not want a cloaked vessel sneaking up on us."

Lia nodded, "Roger that, I'll try and see what else I can do before involving anyone extra". She cycled the sensors and re-aligned the parameters, the alarm died. oO Not cool, not cool at all Oo she thought. Pushing the sensors to their limit, Lia did a deep scan all round the ship. Nothing. "Pleased to report, our sensor ghost seems to have disappeared". With luck that would be the last she saw of it.

As chance would have Dyhei was looking at the sensor feed, but as they had just emerged into a new quadrant and there were so many things viewing for her attention at that point she was looking completely the other way, only the mention of 'work with science' and that the tactical officer was the next to speak put her back in the room as the saying went. The hybrid keyed her sensor readdout over to match Commander Holmes, but by that time as stated the contact was gone. In an attempt to be helpful Dyhei tapped a comm to the tactical station "Commander Holmes, would you mind sending me what data you took, I regret that I was distracted by a number of things, new quadrent and all that, I have a few filters I can apply to the data that may get a better sensor profile. Could help against any more sneekey sneekys." She suggested.

Lia suddenly heard the call from science, "Holmes here, the reading was inconclusive. But what I had was a close proximity alert off the port quarter, at a range of 40,000 meters. I cycled my sensors and re-aligned my parameters, and the damn thing disappeared. I have sent all other data to your station, I also carried out a long range deep scan and came up empty". She hoped that Lieutenant Liducca could work with what little she had provided.

Noticing all the trouble with the 'sensor' ghost', Liam thought to not let it slide and adjusted power to enhance the sensor grid. "Giving Science more power to the sensors." It would take some from weapons and shield potential, but there wasn't a need for them at the moment. He hoped that was going to be all the excitement happening for a while. Surprises were a bad thing in his book.

====

The trip through the worm whole was memorable, in a minor sense. they were now truly at the frontier... That was amazing... Jessinia choose to revamp the intel studies guide. Her first assignment to the recruits was to review her Personal mission logs secured in holodeck two. and Opin in the open. It should prove a decided wakeup call...

At 1300 hours she pulled her littles from there caretakers. There were many a family thing to do as well. She plopped Marnie on the love seat as MAvric scampered up the couch to star out the window. SO far so good... She sent a text message invite over her new found old flame...

=/\=

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Meeting the CHOPS

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Liam Vir & Commander Phoenix Lalor

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Captain's Ready Room

Timeline: MD2: 1445

Phoenix, after confirming her sister's return to their cabin, had headed for the ready room on deck 18. She needed to think. But the gods would never listen to that she knew. She had barely sat back in her chair, a chair she was just coming to think of as hers, when the chime rang.

Age was on his mind for some odd reason, as Liam had stepped off the turoblift. He barely registered being on the bridge, as he headed in front of the Captain's ready room. He'd heard nothing of the commanding officer of such a large vessel. In most ways that was both not a good sign, and perhaps a good sign; he didn't know what to expect. Just as fast as crossing the bridge had been, he found himself standing alone, waiting for permission to enter.

Phoenix called out. "Come!" And straightened in her chair.

The El-Aurian stepped through the now opened doors and said, "Lieutenant Liam Vir, reporting for duty sir. And excuse me for appearing unannoucned beforehand." Again, age popped into his mind as he saw the Commander. She seemed too young physically, but something was deeper in those eyes. It reminded him that to his own people, he may as well still be a child, but that to Humans he was older. Age didn't always equate with wisdom and experience it seemed.

"Quite alright" Lalor replied as she stood and held out her hand. "Welcome to the Elysium Lieutenant. Please have a seat."

~So far so good~, thought Liam. He shook the Commander's hand, wondering if she had spent time amongst Humans with that odd custom of theirs, that he still never did on his own. Releasing the grasped hand, he then did as instructed and sat down. A few quick glances and his focus was back on his new commanding officer. "Thank you sir."

Phoenix quickly hunted up the relevant paperwork. "So Lieutenant, all seems to be signed off on and in order. Tell me, did you request this assignment?"

It was a simple enough question. Liam thought about deflecting it, but ended up just saying the truth. "Not exactly sir. I requested any starship assignment. Starfleet sent me here, much to my surprise." He left out whether it was a good or a bad thing though. The Elysium had been lost before after all.

"Well we are glad to have you. The department needs a steady hand. I am sure however, that you will do well with it." She smiled. "I had them in shape before my promotion to XO so they should not be too bad."

Difficult times lead to rapid changes. It shouldn't have surprised him to hear about his new commanding officers previous postings on the ship, but it still did. However, Liam wasn't going to let that information change his own style of command in Operations. He tapped on the chair for a moment, feeling somewhat nervous again. That meant he had to get something off his chest, as Humans said. "If I may add, thank you for accepting my onto this ship. I'm still not as familiar with her as say, a Nebula-class, but I'm sure things will run smooth as Tholian silk, once I get settled in sir."

"I am sure it will. The Ely is not a hardship to learn. The main issue I had was ordering the turbolift to deck 18 instead of deck 1 to get to the bridge." She smiled. "You will find lieutenant, that the crew on this ship is like a family. And we are always happy to add more to that family."

Liam chuckled with a slight smile. "I did head to deck one first. Now I know it's on the same deck as my quarters." At the word family though, his smile dropped. He wished he could see a crew like that so early on...but on starships, he kept his distance. Trying to smile again he bent that subject around. "Speaking of which, I'm going to have to meet with the Ops department soon enough. I'll need an Assistant Chief, anyone you'd recommend sir?"

"Well there is Lieutenant Jaeih t’Noramei-McKinley, she was acting chief of operations but moved to the onboard academy as she felt it would be best for her. She would probably return if you asked her nicely." Phoenix suggested. "She was only here for a short time though."

"I'd be glad to have her experience sir." The El-Aurian hoped there wasn't going to be any future tension from this sudden switch in job positions. It could get complicated if there was.

"I will leave it to you to speak with her." Phoenix smiled.

~Fair enough,~ he thought. "I'd better get to it then sir. With your permission?" He made a nod to her door.

"Of course Lieutenant. Welcome again to the Elysium" Phoenix smiled.

"Thank you...Captain." As he exited the ready room, Liam felt reassured that despite his own history on ships, this was going to be a good CO to serve with. Crossing through the bridge again he made his way to the turbolift, forgetting to check where his station at Ops was. That might come back to bite him in the rear later, but it wasn't on his mind now. As it was, he had to go see someone on the academy decks.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Lead on

A Mission Post by Ensign Tasinder Solani

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: DS9, Habitat Ring

Timeline: MD2, 1300

Tas ducked as another PADD flew past his head. He bent over and picked it up from the standard grey floor of the guest quarters to inspect it. Did he need to take a set of Andorian recipes? Probably not. The Elysium would have its own culinary database and he suspected he wouldn't be cooking much Andorian cuisine even when he did make from scratch. He placed the PADD in the 'To Recycle' pile on the low table.

Another two PADDs came flying through the threshold to his bedroom and into the living space where he was sorting, organising and generally making a mess. Who knew he had so much junk? The two PADDs in question were, as it happens, not junk. Letters from home from his brother. Tas decided he would compress the files and download them into the Elysium computer storage when he was aboard but for now, he transferred the data from one PADD to the other so they were in one place. 'To Keep'.

This time the young Risian premeditated the trajectory of the toss and caught the next PADD mid-air. He impressed even himself. A set of songs and short pieces from an obscure Klingon opera he'd never heard of. Tas ran his eyes over the lyrics and deciphered maybe two or three words of very basic Klingon before reminding himself that all money spent on trying to learn the language had been wasted. Tas was not a particularly talented linguist and even the Bajoran he knew was mostly mispronounced and grammatically irritating to hear. This could definitely go into the 'K'Otek' pile.

The large, imposing Klingon appeared in the threshold of the bedroom. His well-proportioned face was its usual stern, serious self but Tas could detect even this tough warrior was finding this process difficult. He took a moment to look in detail at his bedfellow. K'Otek was a scientist by trade but even academics in Klingon society were expected to be strong, capable warriors. His muscular structure was pleasing to look at and his face was youthful and handsome. His black braided hair swept back in a simple ponytail. Wearing only his casual exercise pants and a vest, Tas smiled and remembered why he'd been drawn to him initially.

"That is all," K'Otek stated simply. He brushed his hands together and lounged on the sofa in the middle of the room, kicking off his large boots as he did so. "No more PADDs at all?" Tas was surprised, maybe he had been more thorough than he remembered when clearing out his stuff on DS3. The young scientists shook his head in confirmation and Tas settled next to him. He was close enough to imply intimacy without the "mushiness" that put off K'Otek so easily. This was not a cuddle, this was a respectful distance between close equals.

"Have you thought any further about what I suggested?" Tas asked carefully. He was on dangerous ground here. K'Otek has previously shut down any discussion on this topic and had warned him not to brace it again. Tas didn't take orders from a partner. "I have thought about it." K'Otek started. "I will discuss it further when I have reached a decision." Shut down again, Tas thought. Yet, there was something knowing in K'Otek's tone that made Tas think the Klingon had already decided and was simply not willing to talk about it.

When K'Otek had asked Tas about his request to join the Elysium, worried that Tas seemed to be breaking off their relationship of 3 months, he had been unhappy. His work as a part of the Klingon Defence Forces' Science Division based on DS3 was important to him. His career was hugely important. He was happier when Tas explained he wanted K'Otek to join him as a civilian but had immediately dismissed the notion of giving up his career to follow Tas around the galaxy on a Starfleet vessel. Fair enough, Tas had thought.

However, he was less decisive when Tas had later suggested he transfer to Starfleet and request a posting for scientific collaboration work. He had yet to make a decision on this matter. It would be too late for K'Otek to join him now but he hadn't yet ruled out putting in the request to join him later upon their return from the Gamma Quadrant. Still, Tas would have preferred it if he knew for certain before departure, as selfish as that was.

"You may not return from such a dangerous mission." K'Otek pointed out almost coldly. Tas was about to be offended when the young warrior continued. "You will need me here and alive if I am to honour your memory correctly so you may enter Stovokor." The thought, whilst not exactly pleasant by most civilised standards, was as least considerate. For a Klingon.

"You'd be more use to me if you're nearby to prevent me dying in the first place." Tas pointed out with a smirk. K'Otek smiled. "This is true." he conceded. "But you are a passionate man with great strength. Your death would be honourable."

Tas shut down any further discussion of his impending death. The mission briefing he had been given was worrying enough without that thought in his head. He picked up his bag of PADDs and motioned toward the door.

"See me to the airlock?" was the question. "Lead on," was the reply.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Time of Reckoning

A Mission Post by 1st Lieutenant Michael Andrews & Lieutenant JG Jessinia Kopl-Johnson

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Michaels' quarters

Timeline: 1900

Michael waited patiently for Jessinia. He'd waited 7 years, a few more hours wouldn't matter too much. He tried not to think of what could happen. His feelings for her hadn't abated in all that time. If anything, they'd grown stronger. He'd dressed in his marine BDUs. That's about as casual as he was going to get at this point.

She entered in a rush, things were still a little haywire.. She looked at him, so tall and stong. "Forgive me, I've not been very straight with you..."

Michael furrowed his brow, making a scowl. "I knew there was something or some things" he said then took her hand in his. He could her tremble slightly. "Just give me the truth, Jessinia. I'm not the fresh, still wet-behind-the-ears newbie you knew 7 years ago" he said, trying not to be an ass.

She sat in the middle of the long couch. "I was Falling for you, Fast. I had,, Intended to wreck your bed with you that night. Than a warp tunnel hit me.. His name was Eric Johnson. Ex NFL star, It was instantaneous. I was pregnant by the next morning.. He swept me away and was an excellent father and husband.. Gave me two of the greatest loves of my life.." She pulled a circular device from her hip pocket activated it.. A hologram of two little blonde ones frollicking...

Hearing her words... the expression on her face... the children... it pulled him up short. He turned from her, hot pain searing from his eyes. He stared at the picture of them from 7 years ago at the conference. "I'm sorry Jessinia. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. You have everything in your life now" his voice went soft, {Except me} he thought. {Those could have been.... should have been MY children}

He was right of course, he had been Imzadi worthy, STILL was.. {You are etched in my soul!!} "That is true. FORGIVE ME.." "I may never know why things happened as they have. "I'm here, Now and Will be completely yours....." "I'm no longer built to fight this universe Alone..." She clutched his glorious bulk, slathering herself against his impressive frame from behind...

Michael turned to face her. He stared into the eyes that had haunted him for 7 years. There was no hate not betrayal, only love and sorrow. He smiled at her, his eyes glimmering at hers. "You're right, Jess. The past is in the past. You are my future. You and the children. Maybe even a few of our own" he said, raising an eyebrow.

She felt his truth, And t was Her.. Very much so. "You forgive very nicely for a warrior born. She then pulled back, giving herself up to him would be Too easy.. "Come to my place for dinner, meet the brood you want to add to before you commit to that.." She sauntered back through his doorway, stopping in profile. "My crazy has spawned after all..." Then she disappeared as his door closed...

Michael considered what he instigating with her. He'd stay regardless. He owed her that much. "Maybe being a father can be in the cards for me after all" he said, before she went too far from the door.

OFF

Devil in the Detail

A Mission Post by Lieutenant JG Shiannah Shannas

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Musila Province, Bajor

Timeline: 2366, Cardassian Occupation of Bajor

[OOC: NB:Shiannah Shannas, undercover as Cardassian, Dal Falin].

ON:

The Holana River snaked through forested valleys and beautiful wild countryside that had never been cultivated. The only obvious sign of civilisation was the road and cutting that led to the Bajoran University Campus and surrounding facilities, all low built structures no more than two stories high half-hidden by copses of trees. Dal Falin/Shanniah looked across the view from the balcony and considered it nearly peaceful…

Were it not for the Cardassian gun platform hovering over the courtyard and the acrid smell of smoke that hung in the air, mixed with other underlying and disagreeable odours that drifted on the gentle spring breeze.

“Stupid… stupid!” Gul Duqar raged as the tall Cardassian threw a communicator onto an over-stuffed couch, the tall Cardassian then banged his not-inconsiderable fists onto the desk top. Duqar looked over at Falin/Shanniah, shaking his head, lips tight and his neck ridges bulging. “The CIB and the Occupation Forces decided, cart blanche, to line up three tutors and several alleged suspects from the student population against a convenient wall and shoot them out of hand!” Duqar raged.

Shanniah looked over at Duqar and knew, from grim experience, that the aging Gul was not upset or probably even concerned over the deaths of a few more Bajorans… Gods only know how many he’s responsible for laying in the ground since the occupation of Bajor began! she thought to herself.

“Now, of course, no-one will speak to us and anyone close to the Bajoran Resistance and the local cell have fled or are lying so low we’ll never find them” Duqar raged slapping the desk-top.

“You think they’d ever speak to us anyway?” Falin/Shanniah asked with a thin lipped smile. “Anyone who spoke to us would be classed as a collaborator and probably liquidated by their own people in a matter of hours… Or as soon as we leave”.

“Oh, it gets better” Gul Duqar muttered shaking his head. “Our exulted commander, Gul Duket up on high on Tarek Nor, has decided that, rather than kill yet more Bajorans, not something he’s against despite his recent policy of pacification and humanitarian assistance in the camps. He’s decided that Bajoran culture itself must suffer for the attacks so he’s ordered the burning of all the manuscripts and ancient texts in the library here!”

“No!” Falin cried, clenching her fists. She knew that Starfleet Intelligence had other ‘resources’ under cover on Bajor and were just biding their time and gaining political support back home for intervention on Bajor. Despite the personal suffering and catastrophic (if not to say systematic) ruin of the Bajoran infrastructure by the Cardassian occupation these, at least, could, one day, be replaced and repaired.

Duqar nodded and, for a Cardassian, he seemed somewhat ashamed by his superior’s actions. “History will judge us for our actions here today” the Cardassian mused philosophically.

Will I, therefor, be judged by my inaction? Shanniah thought as she turned back to the balcony.

Minutes later the view of the river and countryside was marred by clouds of smoke billowing from the University Library building…

OFF

Blazing Heat

A Mission Post by Ensign Tasinder Solani

Mission: Episode 0: History Speaks

Location: Bajor, Kienara Province

Timeline: 2381

The blazing heat of the Bajoran sun was not a welcome one. Unlike the sun of Risa, whose rays were counteracted by cool beach breezes and sea air, the Bajoran sun was unforgiving. It pierced the sky like a knife and was unrelenting in making those who suffered below conscious of its dominance on the landscape.

It did not help that there was no vegetation for miles. Unlike other provinces, Kienara housed Bajor's hottest deserts and highest dusty mountain ranges. It was, unfortunately, the perfect spot for a geological survey mission. The muffled noise of sand and snakes was battling against the artificial bleep of a tricoorder.

"Not much further," Tas heard the lead man call back. "The concentration seems to be just beyond the next ridge." Tas asked the Gods to forgive him if he was sceptical. The lead man, a Bajoran scientist named Keral, had made this claim an hour ago before realising his tricooder, corrupted by overuse in the heat, sand and dust, needed realigning.

Tas was tired and his natural Risan optimism, usually the brightest of the group, was starting to wear thin. The sweat dripped down his brow and he cursed the sun for its lack of empathy with him. His tongue craved a Risian Sunrise, slice of lime to boot.

They hadn't been out here long but, Keral excepted, none of the group were fully prepared for summertime in Kienara Province. They had been gearing-up for desert excursions but even the two Vulcan assistants had commented on how difficult it was to work in these conditions.

The tricoorder bleeped, although it sounded to Tas like it was as fed-up as the rest of them, and the group came to a sudden halt. Keral scanned the surface again and double checked his findings. Other members of the group now unpacked their own equipment, of varying sorts and efficiencies, and began to cross-reference their readings.

Tas didn't. He was content to allow the others take the readings and as mission leader he would look at the final data set when they got back. He was more preoccupied with the buzzing coming from Keral's backpack.

"It's just base checking in," Keral mumbled distracted by the readings on the tricoorder. "Tell them we're fine and will update them later."

Tas ignored the fact that their Bajoran guide was using him as a glorified receptionist and answered the communicator. "Solani here," he started. "Keral Nimaj is busy but we're fine. Just found somethi…."

"Yes Sir," a harsh, clear voice replied. "Excuse me but I have a message for Tasinder Solani."

"This is he," Tas answered. He didn't know anybody else on Bajor who would interrupt the mission so was naturally curious as to what this message could be.

"You are asked to recall the mission. Return to base for debriefing. Order of the Bajoran Provisional Government."

== Later that day ==

"What is the meaning of this?" Tas demanded angrily as he was led to an antechamber of the mission control room and near-forcibly seated by a Bajoran official.

"We have had an update from Starfleet Command. The Borg invasion has continued." the official started, clearly unsure as to how to proceed from there by the way he had stopped.

"And? Tas blurted. "This means I cannot survey rocks on Bajor?"

"Risa was a target, Mr Solani. We've got updates on target sites and casualties, it's not good news."

Flashes rushed around Tas' mind of James and his father and his mother and twin. They ran headlong through the Risian jungle in the middle of the night. The heat was present there too but this time it was humid, a steamy jungle heat. Screams from afar, flashes of red lasers and then a deafening cry of "Tas".

"Tas?" repeated the voice. He stirred and look up, aghast. He wasn't in the Risian jungle or in the Bajoran desert. He was back on Deep Space 3, in his office. Dripping in sweat, the young Risian looked around for the source of the voice.

In the doorframe stood K'Otek, the largely-build Klingon aide he had been intimate with for a while. "Sorry," Tas started. "Just the.."

"The flashback." K'Otek finished for him. Klingons were not the most understanding of people but K'Otek seemed at least to know Tas well enough not to dwell.

"I took the liberty of picking up your mail." the warrior said, a new note in his tone of frustration…or was it anger? Tas found it difficult to tell without things being thrown at him. "I don't know when you were going to tell me," K'Otek said, "but your request to transfer to the USS Elysium has been accepted."

---------

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be – Positioning

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Jaeih t’Noramei-McKinley & Lieutenant Liam Vir

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Deck 12, Academy

Timeline: MD2: 1500

The 'meeting' with the Commander had been brief. Liam generally didn't have much to say to people and it'd showed. Like most of his kind he was a listener...it didn't mean he could do small talk, as Humans called it.

Luckily he was about to get in a somewhat equal footing, instead of feeling uncomfortable around a superior officer.

As the turbolift doors opened, the El-Aurian took in just how different the ship really was. ~An Academy annex on a starship?~ It boggled him, as he'd just left the actual Academy on Earth after teaching a semester. It wasn't San Francisco that was for sure, but it was progress in the Federation that made sense. Humans called it not putting all the eggs in one basket. Stepping out, he noticed a young pointed-eared woman about to cross his path. Was this her? Quite the luck. "Pardon me, Lieutenant...?"

Jaeih smiled faintly "t'Noramei-Mckinley." She greeted the man holding out her hand. She was raised in a all human family so she was way more comfortable with that side of her life. "Can I assist you with anything?"

Taking her hand for a moment, he shook and let it go. "Actually you can. I just arrived today as the Chief of Operations." Liam gave a slight shrug. "I didn't request this specific ship, so I hope you don't reckon I took your job." Taking a deep breath and exhaling he then shook his head. "That sounded better in my head. What I really mean is, I could use you back in Ops as the Assistant Chief."

Jaeih smiled. "oh don't worry. I was just a place holder," She paused "oh? Assistant chief?"

Liam gave a smile and meant it. "You could keep your bridge qualification serving there after my shift. It would be a good edge while teaching on your off hours, if you wanted. Quite a combination for your performance reviews eh?" Maybe he wasn't selling it well, but Liam wasn't used to pleading. "To be honest, the Captain recommended you and I'd love to get your input on the job either way. If it doesn't work out, you can go back to teaching full time." He was running out of breath by this point. "What do Humans say, there's nothing to lose?"

Considering his words Jaeih studied the man before her. She didn't really have an issue with being an assistant chief. In fact it would keep her training up to date. "Very well" She said with a smile. "Deal."

Giving a brief clap of joy, Liam smiled again. "Brilliant. I'll send the update for the roster to the Yeoman and First Officer before we leave." That reminded him he had to meet the XO as well. ~Maybe tomorrow~, he thought. Focusing his attention back to Jaeih he gave her a question. "If you're not busy later, we could use the time to get acquainted, and brainstorm. Set up shop, as Humans say. Any place you'd be keen to do that?"

"The Ops centre is fine for that, unless you want to meet in one of the lounges?" Jaeih replied. "Either way I can give you an update on the department."

Liam hadn't thought about going to a workplace. Normally, he stayed far away from them when not on the job. "A lounge is more my style. This isn't exactly official after all." He realised he didn't know what lounges were where exactly. "Pick one and I'll meet you, say..." He gave a quick shrug before continuing. "...well just give me a comms when. I'll just be in my quarters settling in. Deal?"

"Sounds like a plan Sir." She smiled.

Although he was about to take his leave, there was still something gnawing at the back of the El-Aurian's mind. "Lieutenant, may I ask you a personal question?"

"Of course." Jaeih replied with a smile, It was fine with her.

Liam cleared his throat first. "Thank you. It's the first part of your surname. Is it Romulan, or Vulcan? I only ask because I spent some time along the old boarders and on a Romulan ship, back before the Hobus event." He found he was getting off track. "But, I just mean do you speak Rihannsu? I don't get to practice it often enough. If you do, I'd welcome the chance to use it more often."

"I am half romulan or so I have been told. I grew up with a human family, my family. I do speak Rihannsu, but not like a native unfortunately." She admitted.

Giving a nod he replied, "Ah, understood. Never mind then." Liam felt a tad awkward at having asked that, but at least now he knew. "Right. I'll see you later Lieutenant." He turned to go back out the lift, but stopped one last time. "Oh and thank you again. It really does mean a lot for the help." Continuing on, he let the turbolift doors close and made his way back to his quarters. That had went better than he could have hoped. But by the great bird of the galaxy was he a mess at conversations.

Jaeih watched him go and shrugged. Some people were awkward.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Chasing Ghosts

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Dyhei Liducca

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Bridge/Other Locations

Timeline: Current

ON:

Lia continued to review her sensor glitch, as for now that's all she could call it. But as to why the close proximity alarm went off was still a mystery, and that bugged her.

Gary moved from his station to Lia's. Peering over her shoulder, he spoke quietly. "What's the latest on the sensor ghost? Is it still pacing us?"

His sudden appearance made her jump, "What!! Oh its you, ah no its not. Or at least for now, I'm still trying to work out what it was or is. If that makes any sense". She tried not to look at him, but that voice.

"Sorry for startling you Lia." He continued quietly. "It makes sense. If it appears again in sensor range, consider running a tachyon scan on it, in case we've got a cloaked ship tailing us."

She nodded her head, "Well perhaps Lieutenant Liducca will do that, as I have to work with science on this. Are you looking to join us Commander?" She waited for the answer, and a rescue by the Lieutenant.

He came around her shoulder so he was looking directly at her. "I am. Do you have any objections, to my assisting you and science in this challenge?"

"No sir, no objections sir. Please feel free to join us, and I hope you will work with us sir". Lia knew he had the upper hand, so now it began.

"Why thank you Commander for your gracious acceptance. I do appreciate it." He said sweetly, "As for working with you, that's what I'm here for."

Lia only hope was that the science Officer would appear, that would at least be some relief.

He smiled at her, "I'll leave you to your work for now. Let me know if the ghost returns and we'll see what we can do to uncover it's mystery.'

From the point that she'd been asked to work along a with tactical on a little she was for starters quite interested, something to get the puzzle solving part of her into gear q d second, the hybrid had begun to pull up a list of possable scanning filters that could be applied. The exchange between Homes and Taylor caused her to raise a wry smile, "Well the Commanders suggestion of a Tachyon scan a good, like the base leaves in a tea blend but a unique flavor comes from the additions, I have a few filters if you like to see?"

Looking at the science Officer, Lia smiled. "Ok Lieutenant, shall we take the Commanders idea and run with a tachyon scan first. Then you can stretch you legs and run some other scans, while I re-align the main deflector and sensors. Just maybe I can get something out of them, with luck". She looked over towards Taylor, how long before he re-appeared over here with them?

"That sounds like a plan to me. Setting up for an initial tachyon scan." She responded quickly, tapping at the panel in front of her, continuing to talk as she did. "So first Gamma Quadrant mystery, we for me at least, never been to this part of space before. How about you Commander?"

Shaking her head Lia answered, "No, it's my first time in the Gamma quadrant As for the mystery, I'm kindda hoping your gonna solve it". She smiled as she spoke, "Well I got the deflector back on-line, now if only these bloody sensors would play ball. I'd be a happy teddy bear, you got anything else in your box of tricks Lieutenant?" She kept re-aligning the sensors, but for some reason they refused to come back on-line. She looked over to Taylor and knew she would have to ask him for assistance, "Commander! The sensors won't come back on-line, can you help please?"

Hearing Lia's call, Gary walked back over to her. "Yes Commander, you called?" A smile on his face.

Lia moved slightly as Taylor came close, "The lateral sensors and main defector dish were re-cycled, the defector dish came back on line. The lateral sensors didn't, I've re-cycled them again in an attempt to bring them back. But for some reason it's not working, any suggestions on how to get them back?"

Gary peered at the console, his lips pursed in concentration as he thought on the problem. "Recycle them again but instead of bringing them all on at once, bring them on in series or sections. Sounds like you may be taxing the system when bringing them on all at once. Getting a sensory overload, too much information too quickly."

She thought about what Taylor had said, "Ok Commander will do, I'll bring them on in pairs. Forwards to aft, that should do the trick". Lia looked at Dyhei, "Lieutenant, will you check off the sensors as I bring them back on line please?"

"I will, ready when you are." She responded with a smile, directing her attention back to the display in front of her, and watched for each of the sensor status indicators to change, a short time there the light flashed green and then went to a solid indicator. "Okay thats the fore pairing, up and in the green. Go for the next pair."

Flicking the switch to auto, Lia watched the sensors pair up and power up. She glanced at Dyhei, "Keep your eye's peeled Lieutenant, any anomalies just sing out". What ever that sensor ghost had been, she felt it was somehow responsible for her problems getting the sensors back on-line. "How we doing Lieutenant? I'm reading 50% back online and another 10% pairing up, you got the same stats?"

"That's a big ten-four, she responded still with a grin, trying to keep her mood light in the hopes it would spread, and chase away the tension that seemed to be lingering. "Reading 60% percent online, a further 10% pairing, oh getting a bit of fluctuation, this could be the glichy pairing that's tripping up the whole sequence." Dyhei cautioned, as she scared the status board an idea occurred, "running a compare with a good pair, a remap with something we know to be good could solve this and make life less complicated down the road, what do you think?"

Lia nodded, "Yeah sounds good, you get on with that and I'll keep checking these others for the same thing". She looked over at Taylor, "Sensors appear to be coming back online sir, thank you for your assistance". She quickly looked back at Dyhei, "Your little fix work Lieutenant?" She smiled as she asked the question, "I'm not reading any fluctuations on my console, now reading 80% online and 5% pairing up".

He nodded at her, "Glad to be able to help Commander." He answered as he retreated back to the XO's chair. "If any further problems crop up that you need assistance with let me know."

"I do believe it did, and I've made a note of 'safe' settings in case we need to reset in the future." She responded, not bothering to hide that she felt quite pleased with herself, as she turned her attention back to the point of refining the detection of the blip that had them going to this effort. "I'm setting up a Die-Polar particle filter, applied to the tachyon scan, it should show up atomic.........clumping for want of a better expression, the profile should tell us if this is natural of non-natural." She paused and checked herself. "After all the sensors are up and running of course, I'm reading 90% online and the final 10% pairing, do you read the same?"

Nodding in agreement Lia smiled at Dyhei, "Next time you can re-cycle the main defector dish and sensors Lieutenant, seems as if you have a canny knack there". She giggled slightly, "But no stealing my job, ok?" She was glad it had worked out, and Dyhei seemed a nice person to get to know off duty. "Now reading 100% online, but the port quarter section seems to only be producing 45 to 50% output". Lia looked at her console, "Lieutenant, you reading anything on you readouts? Mine are amber, suggestions?"

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Facing Demons

A Mission Post by Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Holodeck One

Timeline: Current

ON:

Martal stood looking at the Princess, she stood sword drawn and ready to continue the fight. "Cassandra, give it up! You've bested only three of my men, and not the champion fighter. Do you think you will survive this encounter?" Cassandra(Lia) turned to look at her tormentor, "Instead of sending minnions to do your bidding, fight me your self Martal. As leader of this band of Elves, you owe me that much". He laughed, "Why should I honour you with my death? Cassandra your men have fled, you stand alone and pose no threat to me". Moving to face Martal, Cassandra(Lia) pointed with her sword. "So you admit I can best you, prove it coward!! Fight you piece of shit, or by Ormis's spirit I will hunt you down and kill you where you stand!!!!" Martal now drew his sword, "Stand ready Cassandra, I'm coming for you".

At that moment the holodeck doors opened and Taylor walked in, Lia looked up and spoke. "Computer freeze program, Commander do you mind? This is my down time, or are you here to make some sort of demand?"

Gary looked at her, a bemused expression on his face, "No, I don't mind at all." He replied "And as for making demands on you, I don't think I've ever done that. I've just asked that you do your job." He stopped and looked around, "What is this? If you don't mind me asking or even if you do."

His attitude annoyed her, "THIS, is my escape from people like you!" She snapped back, and waited for Taylor to react. She knew he wanted something, and was pretty sure she knew what.

He nodded, "I see. Escape from people like me." He repeated calmly, his tone not seemingly bothered by Lia's angry retort. "By that I take it to mean men who treat you with respect and like the lady you are. Or am I missing something?"

"Look Commander, you want something? Then just say it, don't do all this dancing around". Her sword slowly raised and standing ready, she prepared to attack Taylor if he made the wrong move. What Taylor didn't know was the holodeck safety's were off, and Lia's sword was very very real.

Gary didn't flinch or react in any way as Lia raised her sword. "Dancing around? I think this is the wrong scenario for that." He quipped, "Oh, you were talking figuratively. I thought we could finish our talk. However since this is your time to escape from people like me. Perhaps this isn't a good time."

Lia walked over to a long low box, she kicked open the lid and took out an almost identical sword of her own. She threw it at Taylor, "Computer, dress the Commander as Martal." She walked a little way and faced Taylor, "Just for you information, Martal is an Elven rebel Chief. My sworn enemy, you are now him. Oh yeah just one more thing, the safety's are off. Both swords are real, computer delete all other characters". She took up her stance and waited to see what Taylor would do.

Gary deftly caught the sword and checked it's balance. "A fine blade, nicely balanced." He observed as he made a few practice moves with it. An instant later he was dressed as Martel the Elven rebel and sworn enemy of Lia's Cassandra character. He mirrored her stance. A wicked smile coming to his face as Lia announced the holodeck safeties were off. "Excellent. I'll keep that in mind, I don't want to give you any lasting scars."

She looked at Martal(Taylor) and moved slowly to her left, she balanced on the balls of her feet and could feel the ground through her toes. She now stopped and waited, her confidence was strong this was her domain and like a spider she would defend it.

Gary's posture looked relaxed but appearances can be deceiving. In reality he was like a spring tightly wound and ready to react at the slightest provocation. His senses were heighten as he mirrored Lia's movements. His feet moved easily over the ground under them. His sword held in front of him ready to move in any direction she wished to attack from.

In a flash, Lia had attacked. She had come in below Martal's(Taylor's) sword and with her elbow hit him hard in the stomach, her own sword had then hit her opponents knocking it upwards. She danced away, spinning to meet what ever was coming.

Lia's sudden move surprised him. He wouldn't be taken by surprise again. As she spun he was on her, kicking her legs out from underneath her and giving him a chance to regain his own sword and press his attack.

As she crashed to the ground, Lia held tight to her sword and spun on the ground. She then pushed up and at Martal(Taylor) violently. His sword already on the way down received another blow, as Cassandra(Lia) again passed below him. She knew that wouldn't work a third time, "Not bad, Commander. But you 'aint doing a lot of talking, cat got your tongue?" She put distance between them, he was strong and agile. But his sword showed him unsure of himself, and she noted that. "Now just what shall we talk about Commander?" Cassandra(Lia) taunted.

Gary was breathing easily as Lia taunted him. His sword again in his hand as he circled her."The time has come," Gary began,

"To talk of many things:Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--Of cabbages--and kings--And why the sea is boiling hot--

And whether pigs have wings." He smiled at her, "However a more pertinent topic would be us." Knowing she knew exactly what he was referring to.

That part hit home, "Us Commander? is there an us?" She moved like a snake lining up her prey, her movements deliberate. "I knew you were just like the rest, and now tell me. What are you wanting to keep your mouth shut? This body perhaps, to do with as you please?" She shot forwards and brought her sword down hard and fast, the blades rang as they struck. Dodging back she waited for Taylor's repost, it came quickly.

Gary looked at her, his eyes full of disappointment at her reply and her opinion of him. "I know you've been hurt before, taken advantage of and I'm terribly sorry for that. However I don't deserve to be lumped with the others your so angry with." He dropped his sword. "Enjoy your holoprogram." His voice quiet and controlled.

His reaction made her stop, "Hey wait up! What is this?" She lowered her sword, "Are you honestly telling me that you're not out to get me in bed??" She blushed slightly, "This isn't right, you can't be being honest. Men don't come that honest, not the ones I've known". Lia now moved towards Gary, "Look I told you that rape can make women bitches or worse. I also told you I was the harpy from hell, remember?" She dropped her sword, "I can't be something I'm not, and trust isn't in my nature right now. I did something that gave you a hold over me, and that made me do what I just did". Lia now stood with her back against the wall and slowly slid down, "You don't seem to get it, I'm not your normal type of girl. I'm damaged goods, used if you want to be more direct. And to take that on you got to understand who and what I am, can you understand that?"

Gary had headed for the holodeck exit but stopped at Lia's question. He slowly turned around and looked at her. "That's what I'm telling you. Remember I said I wouldn't take anything from you and I meant it. It has to be your decision Lia. I am and you've known the wrong men if you choose to call them that." He walked closer to her and shook his head, "No, you think you gave me something that has a hold over you. But I wouldn't be much of a man if I choose to use it and I don't." He paused and sat down next to her, "Yes, you did tell me you were the harpy from hell. However you can't continue to go through life like this Lia. You aren't living your simply existing and your cheating yourself. I get what you have been through but you don't have the market in pain and loss." His voice soft and patient. I'm not afraid to take it on Lia but I deserve a fair chance. Don't judge me by the other sleazebags you knew."

She felt tears welling up, and she gulped them down. "Gary I'm sorry, but I hope you can forgive me? I know I seem like I enjoy all this heartache and pain, but I don't. That's why I normally don't go chasing guy's around, every time I do. I get hurt, so I have learned to not trust guys. But you seemed different, and like a moth to a flame I just flew to you. And look where its got us, me trying to remove your head from your shoulders. Over a perceived threat which you say doesn't exist". Lia looked at Gary, "Why are you so interested in me anyway? There's got to be better fish in this bowl, than me".

He reached a hand out and gently turned her head towards him. "I know you don't enjoy the heartache and pain Lia. I've never thought that. I think you've never had a chance to enjoy being treated like a lady and it scares you when someone, me is nice." He smiled gently at her, "There is no threat at least not from me. I'm not your enemy Lia. As to why I'm so interested in you. Your smart and strong and attractive. You are your own person, I can identify with that and I like what I see. As far as better fish in the bowl not from my perspective there aren't."

As he touched her she felt safe, a first with Lia. She listened and slowly understood what was being said, but how she would handle it was quite another story. Lia leant into Gary, "I think you should see a doctor, you eye's need looking at. And you seem to have lost your head over a crazy girl with a large sword who's just tried to kill you". She stood back up and brushed her skirt down, "Guess I should head back and get changed, turning up on the bridge in a leather miniskirt and metal studded bodice with a sword at my side. Might just cause a bit of a stir, plus one or two other reactions". Lia took a deep breath, "I'll try and remember this talk we've had, but I guess we'll just have to go slow for now".

"You wouldn't kill me." He said simply "And as for seeing a doctor, why? I'm perfectly sane. Just give us a chance Lia. Please remember this talk." He looked at her and changed the subject, "You really want to go? You don't want to finish our duel? I guess it's because you know I'll win." He said teasing her. "Nice outfit by the way." He offered.

Lia's eye's flashed, "You'll win?? You just gave up there you know, I could have run you through". She caught the teasing in his voice, "If you want to go again?" She said hitching her skirt up just a bit higher, "Then pick up your tooth pick, and lets go". She stood ready with sword in hand, and a smile a mile wide on her face. "Any time your ready Gary, I'm waiting", it was her turn to tease.

Gary heard the teasing tone in Lia's voice more importantly the smile on her face was absolutely brilliant and reminded him of the sun breaking through clouds on an overcast day. He picked up his sword and returned the smile. "I'm ready now Cassandra." He said using her character's name. "Cry havoc and let loose the dogs of war." He bantered back.

She moved fast and once again moved under Gary's guard, only this time she didn't try to get away. "Alas poor Cassandra, love knew her well", she breathed into Gary's ear. Lia let her sword drop and stood with her back pressed against Gary's chest, "Guess you win after all, a girl just can't help it". She quipped as she turned to face him.

He was caught off guard by Lia's quickness and even more so as she whispered in his ear. He stood flatfooted for only a moment before his arms came up to encircle her and hold her close. "Alas dear Cassandra, you are mistaken. For you see, you have won as you have captured the heart of your enemy. I Martal. yield to your superiority." He whispered as he continued to look at her.

She held tightly to him and looked deeply into his eye's, "Never yield, I don't want you to". She kissed him gently, "I'll try and be more the girl you want, but if I get it wrong. Don't be surprised, and just go with the flow ok?" She kissed him again, then pulled gently away. "My time is almost up, guess we'd better get the hell outta Dodge before we get caught. Don't want the XO being caught in a compromising position do we?" She slowly headed for the door pausing only to face Gary once more, "If we last the distance, your gonna have grey hair, you know that don't you". She laughed as she left the holodeck, the strain of the last 48 hours melting away.

He was surprised by the kiss(es). He hadn't kissed another woman other than Catlin and now she was gone.Yet this felt right, natural. "Lia, it's not so much what I want but what you deserve. I promise to be patient and I'll go with the flow." He assured her. He shook his head as she said they better leave and not wanting him to be seen in a compromising position. "Let people think what they want." He said quietly. "I know how I feel and that isn't going to change." He smiled as Lia stopped and looked back at him. "We'll last." He said with conviction, "And if I do, they will be worth it."

As Lia made her way to her cabin she went over the events on the holodeck, could this last? Would this last if the Captain found out? She wanted it to last, more than ever she wanted that. Which for Lia was something of a change, as she had never wanted a relationship to last before.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - If needs must

A Mission Post by Ensign Tasinder Solani & Lieutenant Sthilg

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Main Sickbay

Timeline: MD2, 1700

Tas didn't mind doctors or hospitals too much. He had been through enough screenings and check-ups preparing for geological digs and surveys that his easiness with the processes caused most doctors to see him as a breath of fresh air. He also viewed the medical profession as a branch of his own science background.

He was, therefore, smiling and whistling a tune to himself as he strolled into main sickbay to check-in with the ships' CMO. He glanced around the room and asked a nurse where he could him. What Tas hadn't done, of course, was read-up on his medical companion, meaning he let out a soundable gasp when Lieutenant Sthilg was pointed out to him.

The Gorn had been busy working on the paperwork from the day's events when he overheard the nurse pointing him out. Standing up to his full height he walked over to the Risian. " Ensssign Tasssinder Sssolani isssn't it?" He spoke as politely as he could extending out his hand.

Tas realised his bout of impoliteness and took the Doctor's hand, shaking it eagerly. He smiled a broad welcoming greeting, most Risian of him. "Aye Sir, your new resident xenogeologist." He observed the imposing bulk of the man in front of him and wondered how many times he had heard that gasp upon first impression.

" Well letsss get you ssscanned. No one likesss having to get thessse done. " The Gorn replied leading the Risian toward one of the bio beds. " Any injuriesss i need to be aware sssince your last ssscan?" The doctor inquired.

Tas paused for a moment. He hadn't really wanted to discuss this on their first meeting. Tentatively, he replied, "I did, erm, sprain my arm somewhat I think."

The Gorn jotted something down on the pad before indicating the Risian to sit on the bed as he powered up the scanner. " I haven't been to risia sssince the dominion war. How'sss is the planet doing?" The Gorn asked politely.

Memories flashed across Tas' mind as he thought back to the destruction, the fire. He thought of his family and for a brief moment, relived the loss all over again. Realising he had stopped, he looked back up at the Doctor's face. He couldn't read his expression well. Was it pity? Curiosity? Ambivalence?

"The devastation at the hands of the Bog was costly." he replied finally. "I headed up a lot of the geological restoration but as you can imagine....well, what use is a paradise if it reminds you of a nightmare?"

" I know that feeling. " The doctor replied remembering his own paradise that no only existed as an image burned into his skull. Blinking his milky white eyes he looked back to the screen as the results began to came in. He'd seen result like this before.

" Everythingsss looking good. Is your partner on the ssship by any chance? " The reptile inquired politely.

Tas didn't press on what the doctor meant about paradise but he felt he understood, deep down. As a result, he was at more ease discussing hhis injuries. He hadn't expected the imposing Gorn to put him at ease that quickly but it was welcome.

"Yes, he's serving in the Science Department as a temporary recruit." Tas answered honestly. "Truth be told, Doctor, I think the exercise has helped."

" Well it may be beneficial, but can you pleassse tone it down. I had plenty of experience patching up injuriesss from mating klingons during my time with the KDF. " The Gorn replied jokingly having seen the injuries before.

"Understood, Doctor." Tas smiled knowingly before returning to the Doctor's comment about the KDF. "I had no idea you served in the Empire. Let me ask you something, as a non-Klingon, how did you find living with them?"

" Among house K'gawrach I had no problemsss. I did help bring most of them into this universsse after all. Amoungsss the rest I did have the advantage of height and massss. Klingons know what a Gorn can do. Even ssstill they would talk about the " dumb" Gorn behind my back. " The Gorn replied with a tone of fondness and negativity in his voice.

Tas nodded, finding the Gorn man fascinating to listen to. The Doctor had achieved what Tas had failed at for months; living with a Klingon. Not just one, but whole crews of them. "They're a racially proud people. I find it challenging that K'Otek...sorry Sir, Crewman K'Otek, will never see me as an equal for that reason."

The Gorn chuckled slightly as he looked at the Risian. " If he'sss already mated with you then he doesss consssidersss you his equal even if he won't admit it. He's probably wondering how to get you into the Klingon afterlife. "

Tas smiled at that. The young Ensign had not often considered what an afterlife would look like but when he did, the Barge of the dead typically did not feature. He stood up again, preparing to leave. "If ever you should want to, Doctor, I make a good Rokeg Blood pie, you're always welcome to come for dinner."

The Gorn stopped the scanner and saved the scan to the file. " That would be most welcome. I sssee nothing wrong with declaring you fit for duty."

Nodding gratefully, the young Ensign thanked the Doctor. "Thank you for taking the time, Doctor."

" No problem. Just doing my job." The Gorn replied with a grin as he shook the young mans hand before walking off to his officer. He had more paperwork to do.

As Tas made his way back to his quarters through the long, grey corridors, he considered this discussion with the Doctor. The diversity present on Elysium was unusual; Klingons and Risians and Human and Gorn all living together. He suspected he still had a lot to adapt to.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be – tba

A Mission Post by Lieutenant JG Shiannah Shannas & Lieutenant Dante Xithia

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Chief Intelligence Officers Office - Deck 44

Timeline: MD2: 2200hrs

Dante sighed as he fell into the moderately comfortable chair behind his desk. Spending most of his time stationary at his last assignment he'd forgotten how much his leg would ache after excessive usage. The aches bugged him more than pain. Pain could be treated with an hypospray filled with liquid relief almost instantaneously; aches required rest and relaxation - two things he suspected he would get little of aboard the Elysium if the rumours were true.

A cane would help ease the process tremendously, but he refused the suggestion. Based on Terran standards, he looked to be in his mid to late twenties - far too young to be hobbling around the ship with an aid.

For the first time in a while, he felt positively exhausted. He'd spent the day acclimating himself to as many of the ships locations as he could; crawl spaces included. He wanted to make sure he was as prepared as possible before their departure. He hated being caught unaware and would use the next fortnight to solidify his knowledge of the Elysium and its crew.

As much as he yearned for rest he had one more task to carry out before calling it a night, meeting his 2IC. He knew as much as he could, based on her p-file, without pulling rank to secure an unredacted copy. He'd consider doing that at a later date, perhaps even with Shiannah's consent. For now, he'd settle with whatever first expression he received; swell as a crash course on all things Elysium from the perspective of one of the few people that would know the information he needed to know.

Looking at the chronometer he realised she was due any minute, "Computer, open doors" he ordered, he had no intentions of leaving his seat unless absolutely necessary - no matter how much he regretted not preparing a drink first.

(Deck 4, outside CIO Office)

Shiannah smiled if a bit thinly. She was not in uniform though, to be fair, she rarely ever was unless it was an official occasion. She had yet to meet someone who had the... 'sense of presence' to tell her to get changed. Then again the Intelligence Section rarely kept what other people would call regular hours.

She brushed the off the shoulder print silk dress and pulled at the loose shawl about her shoulders and checked herself out in a reflective screen... not too shabby. She tucked her PaDD under her arm and entered the now familiar surroundings of the CIO office.

Lt Xithia was sitting behind his desk and, she noted with an arched eyebrow, that he made no attempt to stand as she entered. No accounting for taste... or manners Shiannah thought though shrugged it off as she approached her new Department CO.

"Lt.JG Shiannah Shannas reporting. Good Evening LT... how do you like to be addressed?" Shiannah asked politely. "You may call me Shiannah if you think it appropriate"

"Shiannah it is" Dante smiled through a grimace as he pushed himself up out of his seat so he could reach across the desk, "Forgive my lack of formality, I was on Alpha rotation during my last assignment, I had the easy life that us spooks dread" he joked with a huff as he rounded the table, "Lieutenant Dante Xinthia, I prefer Dante off duty amongst fellow management"

Shiannah noted the slight grimace has her CO stood up and that Dante had either a limp or was struggling for mobility though, she thought, if he isn't going to mention it she wasn't going to broach the subject in their first official meeting. She also didn't class herself as management though she let it slide for now.

"It's a bit late... by ship standards," Shiannah said suddenly. "Would you like to continue our conversation in the Arboretum... It's a good place to meet people on the Alpha crew shift and to watch... And I'm always watching" she added with a knowing smile.

"Perhaps after you catch me up on any confidential matters regarding the Elysium. A majority of the files were locked down tight and my access was prevented until my meeting with Commander Lalor," Dante suggested as he made his way to the replicator, "I found myself distracted by other pursuits until just under an hour ago, which dictated a small break. In the meantime, could I materialise something for you to drink?"

Shiannah checked the ship-board time on the wall chrono and nodded with a smile. "I'll have a glass of Valpolicella please, an Italian white wine... You'll find it in the replicator saved as SSVX program, I think... It's a fairly good standard as replicated vintages go. Not quite like the real thing nor as damned expensive"

"I've always been an easier man to please," Dante quipped as he worked on replicating the Lieutenant Junior Grade's wine, "gin and tonic's always been my tipple of choice. Refreshing, simple and I enjoy eating the cucumber once I'm done" he carried on. Once their two drinks were prepared he provided Shiannah with her own before taking the next to her with his.

Shiannah made herself comfortable in a padded chair opposite Dante as she savoured the wine, her thoughts going back to a certain Shias Engin, who'd introduced her to the vintage some years ago. I'm getting to feel something like a vintage myself Shiannah thought as she wondered how to broach the subject of recent events aboard the USS Elysium. None of which, by any standards, anyone would have called in anyway routine.

"If I can be honest and up-front, LT, I felt there's something... amiss with what's been going on. The recent bout of sabotage and strange events, as you've heard, are out of the ordinary on any ship that I've previously served. I expected a full Intel investigation or IAD review though, unfortunately, I was called away on other matters before I could pursue certain routes and follow down leads and investigations" she explained.

Dante's face contorted into a thoughtful frown as he rubbed the golden stubble that dusted his lower face, "That's most interesting" he admitted, "I believe we've found ourselves a little 'off the books' assignment, don't you Shiannah?"

Shiannah sighed as she settled back, sipping the wine if only to give herself a minute to think things through.

"Well, Dante" Shiannah eventually replied. "I'm not sure how far we can take such an assignment to be an honest. We are both fairly new comers to the Elysium and, I personally got the feeling, that the CO considers the matter closed. We would be 'Raking up old coals', as my grandfather used to say... Well, we may just get our fingers burnt!"

"If the Commander has closed it, she consider's it finished" Dante suggested, "What we will do is confirm that deduction. If we find anything to the contrary, we'll bring it straight to the Commander, privately. If it is over, well, no-one needs to know about our investigation and we can sleep soundly knowing that we've at least looking into the matter".

"If you... I mean WE want to pursue such matters it would have to be careful and watch our steps" Shiannah added if only to underline the possible risks involved. She looked across at her immediate CO through the distorting effect of the crystal wine glass. She raised an eyebrow as she gave Dante time to consider what she'd said.

"If we were to conduct this little project in any other way we would not be deserving of the titles we are. The CIC has facilities that are cut off from the ships security protocols, I'm certain that we'll have all the privacy we'll need" Dante elaborated.

Shiannah nodded her head as she listened though she felt some trepidation at agreeing to any of this and what, she thought, may be (in her view at least) his enthusiasm for his new role. Though she felt, at least, her immediate CO would back her in whatever she did after this point... and up to a point. Though she felt, as an "older head" despite his actual age she had less to risk and less to lose career wise and her possible retirement had recently loomed on her own personal horizons.

"Ok... Though I insist will take full responsibility for any investigation and will keep you, initially, informed verbally only... to ensure there is no collateral damage" Shiannah said after some moments consideration. "I suggest that we only take it to an official level if we discover a threat to the security of the ship or if the findings are of nature, so serious, that we have no alternative but to inform the CO of our investigation"

"Absolutely not, the blame will fall squarely on my shoulders should Commander Lalor discover our side operation" Dante shot back quickly, "In my fifty years as an Intelligence Officer, I have never allowed those under my charge to take the blame for my actions, I won't start now".

"Calm down, LT" Shiannah said raising a placating hand. "We can discuss any 'responsibility' issues later... If we actually find anything to be responsible for. Let's not jump the gun ok?"

Dante simply quirked a brow in response.

"I will peruse those files open to us and look out for any anomalies in the information... As you know it's all about informational nodle points the old intel F3EA* and cross referencing. We could also go over any recorded crew de-briefs post Mission. I understand that Security took a few people in on suspicion and, as such, those names and interviews should be on file... Have I missed anything?"

"I want the security reports on any incidents relating the organisation, as well as any events prior" Dante ordered, "I want us to go back to roots, work out what instigated their motivations, as well as the feelings of those tied to it".

Shiannah nodded her head as, it seemed they had come to an agreement of sorts though she kept having to recall that, despite appearances, Dante was probably older than her in years. She finished her glass of wine and placed it gently down on the desktop.

"Is there anything else you wish to discuss, Dante?" Shiannah asked with a winsome smile. "I can recommend the Arboretum as it quite an unusual addition to a working ship... I find the atmosphere most relaxing if you'd care to join me one evening. I may head down there later before turning" she added.

"I'm sure I'll you up to that, Lieutenant, but for now I need rest. My leg is not fond of me being too active, and seeks to punish me with pain whenever I try" he smiled softly, "I also have to meet with my predecessor at some point, perhaps tomorrow evening?"

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Nice Scenery

A Mission Post by Commander Phoenix Lalor & Lieutenant Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Lieutenant Commander Gary Taylor & Lieutenant Commander Aurelia Holmes & Lieutenant Matias Grronkil & Lieutenant Dyhei Liducca

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Bridge

Timeline: MD 4 -14h00

Phoenix was sitting silently in her chair on the bridge. She had not spent much time on the bridge and in the chair over the past month or so, it was nice to sit and think, and get people used to having the CO on the bridge without her dropping orders. Besides, once she became a 'fixture' in the minds of the crew then they would relax and she would not feel like she was on display.

A glance on the viewer showed they were coming up on their first obstacle. A class two nebula.

"Looks like a paint splatter, but not as friendly I bet", Lia said as she watched the forward view screen. She now used the sensors to gain some information on the nebula, "Strange, I'm picking up Tachyon radiation emanating from the nebula. Captain, that can't be right?"

Matias was also watching the data closely. "Tachyon radiation is not normal. Nebulas are always trouble, but this is serious. I am calling in all my crew." he spoke from the station at the bridge. "Nebula procedures, and watch the radiation."

Gary listened to the reports from tactical and engineering concerning the nebula and the tachyon radiation. "Are the sensors picking up anything else like a cloaked ship or ships by chance hiding inside the nebula?"

After taking a fewes moment to admire the nebula and take in the vaviation in colour hues, Dyhei started to pick up as many lateral sensors as she could, and re tasked a pair of science labs to back up her own data analysis. "Just kicked off multi-spectral scan with a trio of Sensor pallets, should be able to cross type the radiation it's kicking off. While tachyons aren't normal, neither are a nebula interior reactions." Then felt the need to state the following. "The unknown isn't a threat, just unknown."

Lia looked nonplused at Dyhei's remark, "I'm not showing anything which reads like a cloaked ship, but then these Tachyons are flooding my readings". She glanced at the viewsreen, "I never did like nebulas, bloody things always cause problems. Just leave them alone, avoid them even". She looked back at her console, "My sensors are down, Tachyon overload by the looks of it. We're blind for now, unless the Lieutenant can come up with something".

Phoenix sighed "They said it would happen. Being blind. There are beacons, showing the route. We should be able to visually see them. Bring up the forward viewer please."

Glancing over at the Captain, Lia asked the one question which irked her. "Do we know just what these beacons look like Captain?" She fiddled with her console as she spoke, "Only from the amount of debris that I can see on the viewscreen, we 'aint the first to miss the little buggers".

"According to the reports I was given they are standard type 3 beacons, " Phoenix replied. "There was suggestions of getting tugs for the smaller ships but nothing eventuated from it." Phoenix looked at the viewer. "Red flashing, strobe intervals every 2 seconds." She paused. "Suggestions are welcome."

"We could send a shuttle out and use it as a "pilot car" and map the route as we go. So that way we'll have an accurate route. We reduce our speed and go slow so no mishaps happen." Gary offered.

"Problem with that Commander, is the shuttle would have to be fitted with extra shielding. The tachyon emissions are off the scale, I don't think the standard shields could handle it". Lia countered, knowing what radiation would do to both ship and pilot. "Add to the fact of a slow speed, and we could have serious problems on the Elysium never mind on a shuttlecraft".

"Not necessarily." Gary countered. "The Elysium can extend her shield around the shuttle to augment it's shields. If you don't want to use a shuttle a Valkyrie will do. It's faster and more mobile and the Elysium won't have to reduce speed."

"Still not gonna cut Commander", Lia stated. "You seem to be forgetting that we have Tachyon radiation, but what if we hit Chronoton radiation? I never got to complete my scans of the nebula, if there is Chronoton radiation out there we know nothing about it. We prepare for Tachyon and hit Chronoton, it's gonna be good night and thank you as we blow our selves to bits!!" Lia stood up, "What if we come to an all stop, and launch a probe before we fully enter the nebula? Our shields will protect us, and the probe can do it's business plotting the way for us". She looked at the Captain, "It's your call Captain, but I respectfully suggest an unmanned probe better than a shuttle or a Valkyrie".

Gary bit back an angry retort. Instead he shook his head and shot daggers at her while he remarked, "Risk is the nature of our business Commander. If your scared, you shouldn't have gotten out of bed." Turning his head he waited for the Captain to make her decision.

"I believe I can configure either the shuttle or the Valkyrie to be in nebula mode." said Matias.

Qwyyn spun about in her chair. "If we do use a leading vessel, we'll need an engineer on board to deal with shield-phasing and a science officer to keep us ahead of tachyon eddys." She wasn't sure what the command team's decision would be, but she wanted to make sure they had all of the details of their options. She gave a quick glance to Matias before looking back to center bridge. "And, of course, I would volunteer to fly her, sir."

"Thanks for volunteering Liselle but no, you aren't going to fly her.You need to pilot the Elysium. I am." Gary said in a no nonsense voice that didn't invite any discussion.

Lia looked at Gary, "Do you honestly think the Captain is going to ok her XO, to commit to fly what could be a one way mission?" She glanced at the Captain, "I know I'm no expert, but come on people. If we can do this remotely, why risk crew members? It's a no brainer isn't it?" She slapped her hand down on her console, "Work you piece of crap!! Why won't this shit work any more??" She stood up, "Sorry everyone but I fail to understand why anybody would willingly place themselves in a position of danger, when it isn't required".

Gary looked at Lia, "Feel better?" He asked after her outburst. "I think the Captain understands the risks and knows that sometimes you need a pilot and not a drone. This is one of those times."

Firing a withering look at Gary, Lia replied. "No I do not FEEL better, and I still fail to see why everyone is so dead set on making this a piloted mission". She sat back down with a look which would curdle milk, "Bloody stupid idea, if you ask me". She mumbled to herself.

"Because it's the best option we have Lia." Gary replied evenly.

By the gods, Phoenix thought with shock what by the six was going on between her XO and 2SO. But she chose to put it at the back of her mind and turned to face the front. "Launch sensor probes. Liselle you and your team work with engineering and science to prep a shuttle for DRONE control. Commander Taylor, you will control the shuttle from here. You have 1 hour. Bring us to complete stop Liselle while we wait."

Gary opened his mouth to start to say something, thought better of it and replied with a stiff "Yes Captain."

Looking up Lia just said, "Aye Captain, sensor probes away". She could see Gary wasn't happy, but maybe this was for the best.

"All stop," Liselle announced, purposefully averting her eyes from both Gary and Lia as she turned back to her board. She punched in a call to Ken Waters as her replacement at the CONN. She looked to Dyhei and Matias while she waited for her flight control officer to arrive and take over her position. "Care to join me in some shuttle surgery?"

"I will go with you," said Matias. "We've got a lot of work to do to prepare the shuttle."

Dyhei responded very quickly to Liselle offer, anything to get her off the bridge right about now, "Bring it on, I like a bit of sleave rolled work, and it's all for a good cause." She twisted so that she gave eachim one an afirmaitive nod, while the questions of if she could delicate bridge assignments and if accepting a chif role was a good idea at all started to resurface as she secure her terminal. "Ready when you are."

Lia was still attempting to get the sensors back, but results from one of the probes made her stop. "Captain, it seems we do in fact have Chronoton radiation out there. It's not as prevalent as the Tachyon, but it's there none the less". She wondered what would happen now.

Seated in his chair at the XO's station, Gary heard Lia inform the Captain about Chronoton radiation and sighed. Barely refraining from rolling his eyes. *Great.* He thought, *I'll never hear the end of this.*

Phoenix frowned and considered. "Track the locations of those particles. Send the data to the shuttle team I want the shuttles sensors to be set to detect those as well."

Matias left the bridge, first making a detour to Engineering to pick up his tools before heading for the shuttlebay.

She nodded as she carried out her orders, "Information has been sent, and received. No other data as yet to anything else which might be out there". She noticed Gary's eye rolling, and chose to ignore it..

==

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Making lists

A Mission Post by Ensign Tasinder Solani & Crewman Recruit K'Otek

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Deck 45

Timeline: MD3, 1400

Solani raised his PADD closer to his face so he could read it as the turbolift paused and the doors hissed open. The towering K'Otek stepped inside and joined him, standing sternly looking over his shoulder and reading his PADD. Tas didn't say anything, he simply passed the slim metalic frame to the Klingon linguist and let him catch up.

He was pleased that K'Otek had agreed to help him compile lists of adaptations that would be needed if his grand plan worked out. He still needed to talk it through with Liducca and the Captain but the Elysium's capacity for scientific analysis was exciting. He was already much more engaged in this than he had been on any project on DS3. It was what Tas needed to rekindle his love of discovery that he had lost since the mission to Bajor.

K'Otek spent a few moments scanning over the suggestions and notes Tas had made from the main Science Labs. The turbolift hummed and they stood in comfortable silence. It was one of Tas' greatest measures of a relationship; the ability to just enjoy the presence of another without silence being awkward or uncomfortable. It was true that having the Klingon aboard the ship was proving easier than he expected.

K'Otek's temporary commission with Starfleet for this mission, seconded from the KDF as a linguist, was the "surprise" that he had been keeping for days aboard DS9. The Klingons hadn't done much exploring of the Gamma Quadrant and the idea of having a KDF officer out there was acceptable to their interests. For K'Otek, the chance to interact and learn about language differentials in the Quadrant was attractive. For Tas, having him there was attractive.

They made their way down the wide corridors toward the labs. There was something fresh about the Elysium, Tas decided. It had that feeling, despite its recent missions having taking an apparent tool, of a ship wiser than its years but graced with youthful energy. ~Beats the old battered bulkheads of DS3~ Tas thought to himself.

Deck 45 was primarily the Starfighter Wing's deck and so he and K'Otek needed to pass by a lot of their centres, suits and facilities to get to the labs. Tss smiled politely at a young human man in marine green he had briefly spoken to in a turbolift earlier. He hadn't managed to catch the name but Tas had already made the decision to greet and get to know as many of the crew on Deck 45 as possible. He hoped he would be spending a lot of time down here.

The first lab they came to was Geotech Engineering. Technically an Engineering-led lab, it lent itself greatly to Tas' grand idea. He and K'Otek began by taking a sweep of the computer processing capacity in the lab and noting it. They then made a list of the various work stations and their functions, including opportunities for interdepartmental operations.

The silence as they worked was refreshing. They seemed to be in time and tune with one another to the point, they passed tricoorder readings and PADDs between them without saying a word. Tas was able to think and analyse freely and K'Otek was able to silently recite his concentration mantras in his head. The pair worked in the lab for several minutes alone before the young marine walked in.

"Oh, my apologies Sir," the young marine replied. "I had thought the lab empty." Tas eyed the man curiously while K'Otek didn't even look up from his work station. ~Typical~ Tas thought to himself.

"That's alright, Corporal." Tas replied. "We're nearly finished so can get out of your way. "Take your time, Sir." the young man replied. He started to observe one of the stations they had already analysed, tapping a few controls to bring up new data.

"You're attached to our marine division?" Tas inquired, still curious as to what a marine would want in geotech.

"Aye Sir," he replied simply before determining that the short answer wouldn't satisfy the Risian.

"I'm more of a scout technician, really. I specialise in topographic analysis. So I..." he began to explain.

"You analyse the landscape of an operation and help your superior officers take tactical decisions based on that." Tas finished for him.

"Aye Sir," the young marine seemed surprised by Tas' knowledge. "At the moment, I'm just practising. Who knows what type of landscapes our marine corps will need to operate on in the Gamma Quadrant."

"Wise," Tas agreed. "What was your name, Corporal?"

"Corporal Colin Fry, Sir." the marine replied, giving a short salute.

"Well Corporal Fry, I have a feeling we may come to work together very closely," Tas smiled. "Excuse us."

Tas and K'Otek passed down the corridor once more and made their way to the Hydraulic Lab.

"Recruiting already?" K'Otek asked, displaying his sharp teeth in a broad grin.

"Just scouting out talent," Tas replied, smirking back.

Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be - Back at the Ranch

A Mission Post by Commander Liselle Qwyyn & Commander Gary Taylor

Mission: Episode 3: Such as we are made of, such we be

Location: Holodeck

Timeline: MD4

ON

The door to the Sheriff's office burst open. Creaking loudly on rusted hinges, the heavy door thumped hard against the nearby wall, sending up a thick cloud of dust. A man Liselle did not recognize held the handle in one hand, his hat down atop of his head with the other, as though the panic in his raised eyebrows would be enough to send it flying away.

"Miss Quane!" he sputtered. "You've got to come! It can't wait. Not a minute!"

Liselle split her legs apart so that she could see the man between her boots, resting on the table in front of her. "What seems to be the trouble?" She asked. And then as an after-thought she added, "Pardner."

"It's miss Tilly! She's out there a-screaming and hollerin' that the MacKenzie boys got the bank hold up! There's got to be half a dozen hundred or more! What you gonna do, Sheriff?"

Qwyyn rose up to her feet. She collected her hat up from the tabletop and set it atop her head. "I think it's time to call in 'The Stranger'." She tapped her breast, hitting her communicator beneath her duster. "Commander Taylor. Are you free, sir?" She tried her best drawl, long practiced since their last jaunt in the world of cowboys. "This town could use a mysterious stranger to come to her aid."

The reply was not long in coming, "I am free." He confirmed and then continued, "Message received and understood. I'm on my way." came the laconic reply. Before entering the holodeck, Gary had taken the time to see what kind of program Liselle was running ans was pleased to see it was another Old West one. A smile came to his face as he knew just the character he wanted to play. A short time later, a long lanky stranger, was riding up the main street. He was dressed in black pants, with a blue shirt, a dirty brown poncho, that he has his head poked through completed his outfit that and a beat up cowboy hat that he wore. a heavy 'five o'clock shadow' graced the lower part of his face. His features betrayed no emotion his eyes were cold and hard, a small unlit cigar was clamped between his teeth. A gun belt was strapped around his waist and if one dared to get close enough the could see a cobra etched into the handle of the gun. The Stranger had arrived!

He dismounted from his mule and marched into the sheriff's office,his spurs making a jingling noise as he walked in. His eyes not missing anything he saw the nervous man standing there, looking like he was going to explode decided he was no threat before his eyes settled on Qwyyn. He nodded by way of recognition. "Sheriff." he offered. "What seems to be the trouble?" He asked using as few words as possible. Spitting into a nearby spittoon as he waited for an answer.

She smiled, her relief evident when she saw that he had decided to join her, fully committed to playing his role. She half worried he'd show up in his starfleet uniform asking, 'What do you need, Lieutenant Commander?'

Yes, after their last foray into the Wild West, Gary had left a standing offer to do this again sometime; but she found that often people made such gestures simply to be polite.

"It's them MacKenzie boys!" the nervous man cut in. "At the bank they are, a whole fistful of them. They got itchy fingers, they do! I know they'll start to firing just as soon as they see the law come 'round. Probably best you let them go. Let them take their damn money and keep them poor hostages breathing." He shook his head solemnly. "But Miss Tilly, she grab a hold of me and she told me 'Jeb, you go an get yourself to the Sheriff and you do it quick afore someone gets hurt!' So that's just what I did!"

"We'll take care of it," Qwyyn promised.

Jeb turned to Gary, considering him with a full look up and down the length of him. "Are you with the Sheriff?"

Gary eyed Jeb, looking him up and down. He didn't say anything for several moments just spit into the spittoon again as he chewed on his cigar before finally replying with "Yep." Turning back to face Liselle he gave her a wink. That Jeb wouldn't see. "The MacKenzies? Heard they mite be riding this way. I've been after them for a while. Tired of eating their dust. Seems there's some hefty bounty's on them. You mind some help in this Sheriff or you fixin to take the whole gang on by yourself?"

"Your help couldn't come at a better time," she said gratefully.

He looked back at Jeb as he walked over to a nearby chair and sat down. "You, just relax old timer before you have a heart attack. They aren't gonna shoot anybody. Least not the hostages. Cause if they do, they know your sheriff will gun em down like the mad dogs they are. They're mad not stupid."

"Then it's settled," Qwyyn said. She picked up her guns and gave each a deliberate spin before holstering them. It was hardly the best effort she had managed after a solid hour of practice, but she hadn't dropped either one of them or accidentally shot anyone this time. She was pleased. Between her time spent in the holodeck, and her hours spent reviewing the literature of the era in her quarters, she was getting a real knack for this setting. At least she felt like she was. "Name's Lillian. Lillian Quane," Qwyyn said to Taylor with a tug on her hat. "What do they call you, stranger?"

Gary watched silently as Liselle spun her guns before holstering them. She was much better with them than the shotgun she had used last time. "Pleasure Sheriff Quane." He answered in a monotone. Taking out a match he struck it on the heel of his boot and watched it flare for a moment before lighting his cigar. Taking a few puffs he looked at her and answered "Mister."

They started out the door, heading down through the center of town toward the bank. Though Taylor had warned him away, Jeb followed the pair at a distance. The nervous little man held his hat in each of his hands now, pulled up against his chest. His eyes darted to either side of the street where the townspeople were now poking out their heads to watch.

Walking next to her, Qwyyn found the smell of Taylor's cigar absolutely wonderful. She knew she'd be paying her Trillian cigarettes a visit when she got back to her quarters. "Well then, Mister," she said, tossing her chin at the bank down the road. "You know these boys. How do you think we should approach this?"

Gary didn't look at her as they walked towards the bank. "Well, Liam, the oldest will want it straight forward. He'll do all the talking. Nigel the middle one will follow whatever Liam wants however Colin, the youngest, he's wild, feels he has something to prove to his brothers." He paused as he spit, "And that's he's not as big an idiot as they are. Don't turn your back on any of em." He looked around, "As to how we approach this,it's simple. Don't give in to their demands. Next we have the sun at our backs, that works to our favor. Keep it that way. Now my next question, are you ready to kill them? Because make no mistake they will try and kill you."

Qwyyn turned her head to one side and spit, imitating Gary. She quickly realized this was a bit of dramatic flair that would require a bit more practice. "I'll kill them in their butts before they know what's coming," she said darkly.

They came upon the bank now, a two-story building with bars set along its windows on both floors, seemingly to keep anyone from breaking in during the dead of night. Now, it meant there was only one viable way in: the front door. Qwyyn set her hands on the butts of her guns. "Don't worry, Mister. I've been practicing shooting these guns and I hit my targets very often."

From behind them Jeb scratched his head in confusion.

Mister looked at her when she spoke, "Good to know." He said simply when Qwyyn mentioned killing them. "Not worried unless you shoot me and if you do then you better worry." His tone indicating he wasn't joking. He glanced at the bank. Reaching his hand out to stop Qwyyn from entering. "This works for us. There's only one way out, through that door and us. Call em out Sheriff."

Qwyyn leaned her head back and yelled up to the sky. "MacKenzie boys!" she called. "Liam! Nigel! Colin! We know you're in there! Come on out! I want to see your hands!" That last line was one she had recently read, fresh in her mind.

There was no answer.

"Come out now or we'll come in!" she shouted. "Let's just have ourselves a nice talk!"

Still, no answer. No movement.

She looked to Gary.

"They're in there all right!" Jeb said from behind them. "I saw them in there myself!"

"Shut up!" Gary hissed at Jeb without taking his eyes off the bank.

Gary looked at her. "Are you loco? We're not going in there! I have a way to get them to come out." Reaching under his poncho, he brought out a stick of dynamite.He held it so Liselle could see a tiny hole where the fuse had been cut so the dynamite couldn't explode. the "Boys, I suggest you let your hostages go and come out." He said as he lit the fuse and threw it into the bank. "Move three feet to the right and be ready." He told Liselle.

Qwyyn raised a brow. She wasn't sure if she was loco or if she wasn't loco. She hadn't come across the word before. More research for later.

She stepped aside as Gary had indicated and planted her feet in the dirt, poised to spring into action. She was shrewdly impressed by the device that Gary had improvised. What an ingenious contraption!

Apparently the MacKenzie boys were equally as impressed, and they came spilling out of the bank, nearly knocking each other over to be the first to clear the supposed blast area. Once they had made their way out, Colin and Nigel jumped straight into the dirt, covering the backs of their heads with their hands. Liam, however, stepped over them, his pistol steady on Taylor. "Very clever," he said to him, and he tossed the dud back to Gary. To his brothers he snapped. "On your feet, you idjits."

Gary spit into the ground as the MacKenzie boys came spilling out of the bank with Colin and Nigel diving into the dirt. "Told you they were idiots." He remarked to Liselle.

Gary didn't attempt to catch the device as he let it fall to the dirt. "I thought so." He remarked dryly to Liam, "Got you all outside." His voice calm as if he was discussing the weather. "You ready to surrender peacefully?" His eyes never leaving Liam or his idiot brothers. "Make it easy on yourselves?" As Gary talked apparently unruffled he waited for the Sheriff to get into this little play and make her move.

"Not another move or I'll kick you in the ass!" Qwyyn called out. Liam looked over to her, his weapon still trained on the Stranger. He saw Liselle's raised gun. His features darkened. He'd been got, and he knew it. He'd been so focused on his vendetta with the Stranger that he had allowed himself to act carelessly. "Stay on the ground!" Qwyyn shouted. Liam's brothers dropped to the dirt again.

And then Liselle heard a click from behind her, and the barrel of a gun was pressed against the back of her head.

Liam smiled. "Sorry, Sheriff. You see, Ol' Jeb here was supposed to lure the two of you into the bank. The whole thing would have been painless. But I suppose we gotta do this the hard way. Why don't you go ahead and drop your guns? The both of you."

From behind her, Jeb's hold on his gun was shaking, she could feel the gun's unsteady grip in the way he held it against her. "Better do as he says, Sheriff," Jeb said in a small voice. "I don't wanna kill you, but I sure will if you make me. I ain't got no choice about it."

Gary looked at Liam and then briefly at Jeb. "Why don't you drop your gun before you get yourself killed? He asked, lighting his cigar again as it had gone out, taking his time like he didn't have a care in the world. Looking back at Liam he asked "Why don't you try and take it?" He asked.

"Damn you Stranger! I'll see you dead!" Liam screamed and shot Gary.

Gary fell to the ground and lay motionless.

Qwyyn cried out, "No! What have you done!" She nearly called Gary by name, shaken as she was by the scene. It's just a simulation, she reminded herself.

Jeb's reaction was near to hers. His hands trembled so frightfully as he looked from Liam to the Stranger and back again that his weapon fumbled from his hands to the dirt at his feet. He made no attempt to retrieve it.

"Damn fool!" Liam spat. And in brisk steps he closed the distance between himself and Qwyyn. He cocked his gun and placed it against her forehead. "Shoulda let me go," he said with a wicked smile. "Goodbye, Sheriff."

One moment Liam was standing, smiling holding a gun to Liselle's head. The next he had a bullet hole between his eyes as Gary stood there, his 45 in his hand and smoke curling out of it's barrel. His eyes not moving from Liam as the outlaw slowly turned, a last look of confusion on his face as he mouthed the word "How?" In silent answer Gary flipped back his poncho to reveal a metal plate hanging from around his neck and centered over his chest. An indentation from Liam's bullet was clearly seen. He turned his gun on Jeb. "Down in the dirt now!" He looked at Liselle, "Pick up your gun Sheriff."

Jeb did as he was asked without further prompting. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!" he sputtered again and again as he pushed himself down to the ground, nearly trying to bury himself at Qwyyn's feet.

Seeing their eldest brother fall, the remaining MacKenzie boys stopped halfway to rising, staying instead on their knees with their hands in the air. Besides, Qwyyn had her gun back in hand now. Much like the surviving criminals, she look at Gary with pure astonishment, giving voice to Liam's dying question. "How?"

Without taking his eyes off the two Mackenzie brothers, Gary answered Liselle's question. "Been after these sidewinders for a long time and just like a real sidewinder, you don't under estimate them. I knew Liam wouldn't pass up a chance to shoot me if he got the opportunity. So I just had to be prepared." The thinnest of smiles creasing his features as he finished.

"Alright you two on your feet, Sheriff has a jail cell with your names on it. You too Jeb." Gary glanced at Liselle. "Your gonna be a good sheriff Quane. Just don't under estimate scoundrels like these boys."

Liselle lowered her weapon. She considered Gary for a long moment. She wanted to say something, but wasn't sure if she should. "You're incredible, you know that? A girl would be lucky to have you." She raised a hand, begging that he didn't interrupt. If he did, she'd never get the courage to keep talking again. "Don't worry I'm not making this weird -- well, of course I'm making this weird -- I make it weird, that's my thing -- but I'm not making it weird in that way -- I'm not -- I just -- I wanted you to know that when you're a good guy, when you go the extra mile like you do, it doesn't go unnoticed." She couldn't believe that she was actually saying these things. The counselling sessions with Dr. Tate were certainly having an effect on her. She shrugged. "I always think things like this about people, and I never say them. I'm always too afraid to. I don't know how to phrase it so I just...don't. But this time in here has done a lot for me, more than I can really thank you for. I wanted you to know that. I...probably should have written a letter or something -- maybe edited it down. So...yeah..."

Gary listened as Liselle spoke. He was flattered and a touch embarrassed by her statements but and maybe it was selfish they made him feel good and it had been a long time since he had felt that way. "Liselle." He shook his head and started again. "Liselle." He said softly but with conviction and feeling, "You aren't weird not by a long shot so don't go selling yourself short. I'm flattered by what you said, I truly am so thank you very much. You need to express yourself, say what you think. You have nothing to be afraid of. Your smart, have a terrific sense of humor, attractive and a heck of a Doc Holiday and Sheriff.!" He said with a laugh. He was quiet for a moment before he said his next. "I'm glad you enjoy the programs Liselle but you did this yourself. You had it within you the entire time. The programs just helped you find the courage to express yourself. Don't you ever write a letter. No letter you could ever write could be as eloquent as what you just told me or contain the depth of emotion as you expressed. Remember, you have a open invitation to these programs. Oh and on a personal note, thank you for making me feel so welcomed. I appreciate it more than you'll ever know."

She shook her head, incredulous at how he continued to prove her point about his character. Lia, if you ever screw things up with him.... a thought for herself, that she was able to keep restrained behind sealed lips.

"You all related or something?" Jeb asked, confused as he looked from one of them to the other.

"Computer," Liselle called to the ceiling, "End program."